Want to buy a used fixed track light on Craigslist. It has halogen bulbs in it that I would want to replace with CFLs or LEDs if I can. Apparently I can't use either if the fixture is 12volts. How do I know?

My level of expertise is : I can usually find the switch.

The halogen lamps would be rated 12 volts, this will be stamped on the lamp.

A low voltage track may have a separate transformer to supply 12 volts to the entire track, or, the track may be suppled with 120 volts, and each track head can contain a transformer.

How much will the track system cost? Can you explain what the track light consists of?

Me, personally, would be a new unit from a reputable store, with a warranty.

The lights don't come off, here's a photo

4 - Light Fixture (Fixed Track - Brushed Nickel)

If you want CFL or LED, forget it with this fixture. This is a fixture made to look like track lighting.

It may be straight 120 volt, and it uses 120 volt halogen lamps, or there may be one transformer in the canopy for all lights.

Does not matter, because the track heads are built for halogen only.

By the way, I have to say, I appreciate your honestly:

My level of expertise is : I can usually find the switch.

I will guess, by your member name, that your female.

A male would never admit that all he could do is "find the switch".

They do make CFL and LED bulbs that fit the holes that halogen bulbs use now, like these

:Light Bulbs | MR16 | Compact Fluorescent | CFL | BulbAmerica.com

Might work?

I am in the lighting business, or I would like to think I am, and I cannot keep up with these lamps.

Well done, you showed an old man a new trick. Or lamp.


I can find both 120 and 12 volt MR-16 lamps. The fixtures look like it would be an MR-16 bi pin lamp.


I cannot attest to how well they work. Buy from a reputable dealer with a good warranty.

If you do chose to got LED, and assuming these would be inside a home, try to get either 2700 K, to match incandescent lighting. Anything 3500 K or higher is more for office lighting.

Looks like your covered, if you get the fixtures, be sure it works as is, then figure out what type of lamp it has and go for it. Looks like your covered with LED at least.

New to you, too, and see there-- admitted it without hesitation! Now that's what I call a real man. They haven't been around long, and I'm really grateful for your opinion that they will likely work in the fixture. Thanks for the tip on the 2700K also, I really don't need to see myself in the equivalent of operating room-light first thing in the morning!