This type of system upgrade will seriously improve switch positioning and allow for changes in room layouts. Let's hope the tech stands up to time in reliability terms and that the protocol isn't dropped at some point.
They've been going strong for a while now so hopefully no worries on that front. I have to say I was genuinely impressed with how easily it all worked. Brilliant system!
Nice product! Looks like a wireless version of the staircase lighting we install here. There you have a timed contactor (bistable relay). There's no conventional switch involved, instead you got retracting switches (in the same design as regular switches) which require only two wires (permanent line and switched line). This reduces the numbers of wires, makes the wiring easy. After an adjustable amount of time the switch will switch the light off. That makes it in interesting for bigger staircases in a block of flats. Or if you want more than three switches, and want to expand the circuit with a minimal effort. There are two versions available, one for the installation in a junction box, the other is for DIN rail. I installed this guy in my staircase. It's rated for 16A. You can switch it with different voltages, the standard 230V but it also got another input which can handle between 8 and 230V UC (universal current, AC or DC makes no difference). The background for this is, in West-Germany 230V (or 220V back then) was used for this purpose. In East Germany they used the low voltage from the transformer of the door chime to send the switch-signal to the contactor. www.eltako.com/fileadmin/downloads/en/_datasheets/Datasheet_ESR12NP-230V+UC.pdf
Interesting point. I reckon the Quinetic with the 6A dimming receiver module and two 1-gang wireless switches would be around £75 (TLC prices) and provide the functionality Joe shows here. The RA2 equivalent - with some more functionality - would be around £170 (Lutron RRK-KIT-1D RA2 Select Wireless Control Dimmer Kit: 1x Dimmer, 2x Pico controls, 1x Pico Faceplate, 1 x Pico Pedestal)
The main difference is that Quinetic switching doesn't have batteries, it relies on the kinetic energy in the movement of the switch. The RA2 is much more sophisticated as you can dim with it as well and also add a hub so you can control the system from a mobile device and introduce, timers, scenes and a whole lot of other options as well.
@@efixx but you can dim with quinetic as well? I can appreciate the mobile phone aspect in this day and age, but for the money I think it’s more of a gimmic if I’m being honest. Excellent video though many thanks!
Just watched this thinking it will solve tomorrow's job problem but unfortunately the ceiling rose is on a ceiling in a block of apartments so nowhere to place the receiver.
I have a bunch of Lutron Caseta gear (in the USA, it's basically a limited version of RA2 that's cheaper and aimed at the DIY market). Lutron is by far the most reliable "smart" lighting system I have worked with. The Caseta dimmers aren't cheap (around $55 each) but at least the US version works without a neutral, and I have never had pairing or other issues like I have had with BLE and Zigbee smart bulbs. The pico remotes are really nice. They match the exact size of a standard US "decora" wall plate, so you can mount them in a box and they look identical to a hardwired dimmer. You can even put them in a multi-gang box along with regular dimmers.
![Lutron RA2 Select // How to Design a Full System in 5 Steps - [NEW] (2020) Adelux](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/DmdpsdYnpLU/mqdefault.jpg)
Lutron have never been the cheapest manufacturer in the world. But they're all exceptional quality products. Thanks Joe. #StaySafe
This type of system upgrade will seriously improve switch positioning and allow for changes in room layouts. Let's hope the tech stands up to time in reliability terms and that the protocol isn't dropped at some point.
They've been going strong for a while now so hopefully no worries on that front. I have to say I was genuinely impressed with how easily it all worked. Brilliant system!
Nice product! Looks like a wireless version of the staircase lighting we install here. There you have a timed contactor (bistable relay). There's no conventional switch involved, instead you got retracting switches (in the same design as regular switches) which require only two wires (permanent line and switched line). This reduces the numbers of wires, makes the wiring easy. After an adjustable amount of time the switch will switch the light off. That makes it in interesting for bigger staircases in a block of flats. Or if you want more than three switches, and want to expand the circuit with a minimal effort. There are two versions available, one for the installation in a junction box, the other is for DIN rail.
I installed this guy in my staircase. It's rated for 16A. You can switch it with different voltages, the standard 230V but it also got another input which can handle between 8 and 230V UC (universal current, AC or DC makes no difference). The background for this is, in West-Germany 230V (or 220V back then) was used for this purpose. In East Germany they used the low voltage from the transformer of the door chime to send the switch-signal to the contactor.
www.eltako.com/fileadmin/downloads/en/_datasheets/Datasheet_ESR12NP-230V+UC.pdf
Great comment, it's a super flexible and adaptable system, stay tuned for the follow up video. 😊
I like that , not a bad idea , I might look at get some of that kit ?
Fantastic video from team eFix as always . Thank you joe
Its similar to quinetic switches, loving it, great content, thank you
Thanks very much, it's actually a great system.👍
Except the lutron stuff is way more expensive, the drivers are 3x the size.
Great product-very similar to the Quinetic system. Interesting to see a price comparison.
It's a great bit of kit. 👍
Considerably more expensive, but a far better product with more options available over Quinetic
Starter kit is around £550
Interesting point. I reckon the Quinetic with the 6A dimming receiver module and two 1-gang wireless switches would be around £75 (TLC prices) and provide the functionality Joe shows here. The RA2 equivalent - with some more functionality - would be around £170 (Lutron RRK-KIT-1D RA2 Select Wireless Control Dimmer Kit: 1x Dimmer, 2x Pico controls, 1x Pico Faceplate, 1 x Pico Pedestal)
what if the pendant light is on the ground floor where are you putting the dimmer?
What type of LED downlights work best with the Lutron system? Could you recommend a brand please?
What powers the switches?
Do you need to change batteries or are they self generators like the quinetic devices?
They are battery powered but it's just a standard coin battery that lasts ages.
Awesome bit of kit 👍
I genuinely love it.
Does lutron make a 120v dimmer that can be in a 4 way system all points dimmable?
Thank you ☺️
Our pleasure. 😊
What’s the difference then between the RA2 and Qwinetic switching?
The main difference is that Quinetic switching doesn't have batteries, it relies on the kinetic energy in the movement of the switch. The RA2 is much more sophisticated as you can dim with it as well and also add a hub so you can control the system from a mobile device and introduce, timers, scenes and a whole lot of other options as well.
@@efixx but you can dim with quinetic as well? I can appreciate the mobile phone aspect in this day and age, but for the money I think it’s more of a gimmic if I’m being honest. Excellent video though many thanks!
How does the pedestal switch stay powered? Is it a battery operated switch?
Yes, the battery's mounted in the Pico remote so it's powered from there whether it's on a pedestal, wall mounted or loose.
@@efixx do you know how long the battery lasts?
The Lutron literature states 10 years!
I’m assuming you also need the Lutron ra2 hub for this to work?
No, the system as shown working here doesn't require the hub. Although if you decide to get a hub it opens up a whole heap of additional options. 👍
@@efixx ah brilliant! That’s going to save me a lot of money just now then and I’ll retrofit a hub later, thanks for the reply!!
That's exactly one of the reasons I like this system. 😊
are there any batteries on the switch?
Yep, just bog standard watch type batteries. They last a long old time though.
Will Lutron solve the age old question with smart light where old properties need a natural feed to make a wall switch 'smart' ?
The switches are battery powered so no connection to the wiring is needed. 👍
@@efixx the thing that makes it smart is that 'black box thingy' which needs the power feed in the lighting circuit?
Do you mean the in line dimmer? In this video that goes into the ceiling where there was a neutral conductor anyway.
Just watched this thinking it will solve tomorrow's job problem but unfortunately the ceiling rose is on a ceiling in a block of apartments so nowhere to place the receiver.
Ah shame. 😔
Let's add some more RF into the mix in our houses what a great idea 🙄 nothing beats hard wiring I'm afraid
I have a bunch of Lutron Caseta gear (in the USA, it's basically a limited version of RA2 that's cheaper and aimed at the DIY market).
Lutron is by far the most reliable "smart" lighting system I have worked with. The Caseta dimmers aren't cheap (around $55 each) but at least the US version works without a neutral, and I have never had pairing or other issues like I have had with BLE and Zigbee smart bulbs.
The pico remotes are really nice. They match the exact size of a standard US "decora" wall plate, so you can mount them in a box and they look identical to a hardwired dimmer. You can even put them in a multi-gang box along with regular dimmers.
£200 for a lightswitch......... not exactly cost friendly
Not a new idea at all, totally overpriced too. Try Aliexpress , you will be amazed at the alternatives available at a fraction of the price.
Didn't claim it was new, but it is top quality.
Hate Lutron
£200 for a lightswitch......... not exactly cost friendly