We’re looking at adding 4 sets of halogen track lights to a room. Each set contains four 50 watt halogen lights. (200 watts per 4′ section.) I’d like to add them to a single run of track around 16′ in length. Portfolio lighting doesn’t specify the maximum lights per circuit. "Consult an electrician." (Item #233131) Can I put all 16 lamps on one circuit? If I divide them, how many circuits do I need?

I foolishly bought a pendant lamp with only a 100 watt halogen light bulb for my dining area. Now that I’ve decided to replace it with a bigger chandalier, how many watts of light should I be looking at? I do have a Lutron dimmer, so it’ll be adjustable. Is total wattage even what I should be looking at? Is there some other measurement to consider?

Because my dining room has a sloping roof, I can really only do a single chandalier or pendant lamp. A single pendant lamp will never be bright enough — so that’s out. Most chandaliers tend to have lamp shades that focus upwards, whereas I know lighting for a dining table should mostly focus downwards — to draw people into the dining area.

What are my options? For what it’s worth, I very much want a modern, contemporary design.

Can the electrical wire in the wall support up to a total of 300 watts? or 6 50 watt halogen light bulbs on the track?