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OneTrack by ETC

Installation FAQ


  • Do I need to purchase OneTrack and OneTrack Backbone parts separately?

    Yes. OneTrack and OneTrack Backbone parts are sold and shipped separately.

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    What kind of hardware can I use to mount OneTrack Backbone?

    OneTrack Backbone is compatible with all hardware suitable for use with standard U-channel such as Unistrut.

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    Are there any OneTrack parts that are not compatible with OneTrack Backbone?

    OneTrack Backbone is not compatible with OneTrack hanging hardware, such as wire rope or threaded rod kits. There are no Backbone housings for Current Limiters or Flex Couplers, but these devices may be used in a OneTrack Backbone system if aesthetically acceptable and properly installed.

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    How do I feed power and data into a OneTrack system?

    Power and data can be fed into a OneTrack system at any track coupler point. This includes end feeds, current-limiting feeds, and L-/ I- / T- / X-couplers. The NEC requires terminating Class 1 power and Class 2 data wiring in separate couplers as there are no internal voltage barriers. You may terminate power and data in the same feed or coupler only if you are using the data bus to carry DALI or 0-10 V control signals on Class 1 installation wiring. DMX installation wiring must be Belden 9729 or equivalent; OneTrack feed and coupler components are not compatible for terminating Category cable.

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    How do I make sure I have the right parts to make my OneTrack System work?

    ETC has created multiple documents to assist in laying out OneTrack systems. ETC’s Bluebeam icon block library provides OneTrack by ETC and OneTrack Backbone CAD blocks that are easy to work with and provide clear visual confirmation of the data path and part numbers to assist in system layout. The ETC OneTrack Parts List.DWG file provides complete dimensions and part numbers for individual system components. The OneTrack by ETC and OneTrack Backbone System Planning and Installation Manual provides examples for how to plan DMX paths for systems of varying complexity. These documents and more can be found here.  

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    How do I make sure I have the right combination of OneTrack Backbone and OneTrack parts in my system?

    OneTrack Backbone Housings and Coupler Housings support any variant of their respective OneTrack components. For example, any OneTrack T-coupler will fit into the OneTrack Backbone T-Coupler Housing. If you are bringing power or data into a coupler, select the Backbone Coupler Housing with Pull Box to provide additional space for attaching conduit and storing cable service loops. A complete list of OneTrack Backbone parts and dimensions can be found in either the OneTrack Backbone Installation Guide or the OneTrack System Planning and Installation Guide.

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    How do OneTrack and OneTrack Backbone parts fit together?

    Lengths of OneTrack slide into OneTrack Backbone and are then secured in place with set screws that ship with OneTrack Backbone. Screws should mount through the pre-punched holes in the top of the OneTrack Backbone.

    OneTrack Backbone Feed and Coupler Housings do not directly attach to OneTrack feed or coupler accessories, the accessories are supported by the OneTrack mounted within the Backbone. Coupler Housings provide structural support for the OneTrack Backbone system, as well as improved wiring installation support when power or data are being fed into the coupler.

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    What benefit does OneTrack Backbone provide to a OneTrack system?

    OneTrack Backbone provides a means for utilizing larger theatrical-style fixtures for high-bay or specialty-lighting applications where flexible fixture location and the smaller, cleaner look of track is preferable for the aesthetic of a space over a traditional connector strip. In addition, Backbone allows for more robust structural attachment with far fewer attachment points regardless of whether larger fixtures are required.

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    How do I use non-track fixtures with OneTrack Backbone?

    Hanger Brackets that mount to the top channel of OneTrack Backbone and attach to the fixture yoke are available for fixtures up to 100 lbs. (Note: Fixture hanger brackets are not intended for use with automated fixtures.) A version of the Hanger Brackets with tamper-proof hardware is available for fixtures providing emergency lighting.

    Fixture Hanger Brackets are used in conjunction with Pigtail Adapters to bring power and data from OneTrack to the fixture. Pigtail adapters are available with the following combinations of 20” pigtails: powerCON and 5-pin XLR, TRUE1 TOP and 5-pin XLR, and TRUE1 TOP only (for use with fixtures that have integrated wireless DMX receivers).

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    Is OneTrack Compatible with DataTrack?

    No. OneTrack track sections, feeds, couplers, adapters, and mounting accessories are mechanically incompatible with DataTrack track sections, feeds, couplers, adapters, and mounting accessories.

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    Is OneTrack by ETC compatible with DataTrack?

    No. You cannot use luminaires or pigtails with OneTrack adapters on DataTrack, nor can you use luminaires or pigtails with DataTrack adapters on OneTrack.

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    How is OneTrack by ETC physically different from DataTrack?

    OneTrack by ETC is slightly narrower and taller than DataTrack and the track and coupler components use a keying system to ensure that circuit wiring remains consistent throughout a track system. In addition, the low voltage conductors inside OneTrack run along the middle of the inside of the track on each side rather than along one side of the bottom of the track.

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    Is OneTrack Backbone compatible with DataTrack or DataTrack Backbone?

    No. The extrusion is different to account for the variance in track height and width, and we have updated the way that the track is secured within the Backbone to eliminate hardware interfering with the mounting of adapters when the track is in use.

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    What do I do if I want to daisychain a DMX circuit from one length of OneTrack into another?

    Because it is not permissible to terminate power and DMX circuits in the same OneTrack coupler or feed assembly, your best approach will be to use an I-coupler to bring power into the middle of each length of track and then use end feeds to bring DMX into one track section and out to the next. Do not forget to add a DMX Terminator assembly to the end of the last section of track.

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    Where can I use OneTrack 277 V track?

    OneTrack 277 V is available for sale in North America for 277 V applications. It is also available for sale in Latin America, the Middle East, and Asia for 240 V applications, or any other location that uses 240 V and does not require CE compliance.

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    What OneTrack 277 V track applications are available in North America?

    For North America, OneTrack 277 V can be used for surface, suspended, or recessed mount applications. OneTrack 277 V is compatible with ETC Irideon 277 V track luminaires or third party 277 V luminaires with OneTrack adapters (provided by others). OneTrack 277 V can be used with OneTrack Backbone to provide more efficient and rigid installation. OneTrack 277 V track cannot be used with power and data plug-in adapters to feed stage luminaires in 277 V applications.

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    What OneTrack 277 V track applications are available for Latin America and Asia?

    In addition to the above applications for North America, OneTrack 277 V can also be used with OneTrack Backbone to mount and feed power and data to stage luminaires. A variety of power and data plug-in adapters are available which support a maximum of 240 V.

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    What are the physical similarities and differences between 120 V and 277 V OneTrack?

    Both track profiles are the same width and use the same mounting brackets and accessories that connect to the top of the track. Both tracks use a similar key system to ensure circuit continuity within a track layout. One vertical side of the 277 V track is slightly longer than the 120 V track. In Backbone applications, this side will extend a few millimeters below the Backbone. Track adapters for 120 V track have a small bump on one side that fits into a groove on the bottom of one side of the track. This ensures that circuits 1 and 2 on the adapter connect to circuits 1 and 2 on the track. This groove does not exist in the 277 V track profile, preventing accidental connection of 120 V luminaires to 277 V power.

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    What accessories are available with OneTrack 277 V?

    OneTrack 277 V supports the full range of feeds, couplers, and mounting kits — including current limiters and breakers — as OneTrack.

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    Is OneTrack available in a recessed mount standard profile?

    Yes! OneTrack and OneTrack 277 V both have standard recessed mount options in black or white 4-foot and 8-foot sections.

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    How do I order feeds and couplers for recessed mount applications?

    Recessed mount OneTrack uses the same feeds and couplers as the surface mount profile. In addition, each feed and coupler will need a recessed mount cover, to be installed in the field. These covers are available in black and white and the same cover is used for 120 V and 277 V track applications. The covers are compatible with all related couplers, regardless of their key configuration. For example, the recessed mount cover for an L-coupler is compatible with both Key Inside and Key Outside models and the recessed mount cover for an End Feed is compatible with both Key Left and Key Right models.

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    Can I use current limiters in recessed mount application?

    There is no recessed mount cover for limiters and the nature of a recessed mount installation will make it difficult to access recessed mount circuit breakers. ETC does not recommend the use of current limiters for this application.

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    Can I use current limiters with OneTrack in a suspension mount application?

    Yes! Current limiters can be used with 120 V or 277 V OneTrack suspension mount installations, including Backbone installations. However, OneTrack current limiters are not compatible with OneTrack suspension mounting kits. As a result, ETC recommends locating mounting points no farther than 4 inches from the end of a track connected to a current limiter in these applications.

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