Which Lutron Lighting Control System is Right for your Next Project?

When it comes to lighting control systems, your clients have plenty of options! Smart dimmers are an increasingly popular choice to help clients set and remotely control their home’s lighting levels, conserve energy, improve security and more. But with so many incredible products out there, it’s tough to know which system to opt for. 

Lutron, a global brand with a 70-year legacy, offers some of the best dimmers on the market. Let’s walk through Lutron’s control systems to determine which one best suits your client’s needs.

Basic, Good, Better, Best: Let’s Look at Lutron’s Smart Home Dimmer Systems

While all of Lutron’s products are of superior quality, the final choice just depends on what your end user needs. From basic to best, here are four different options to help complete their home: the Skylark, Sunnata, Caséta, and RadioRA2.

Basic: Skylark Dimmers

Skylark is Lutron’s original designer-style slide dimmer. Its convenient rocker switches lights on and off, and an easy-to-use slide control adjusts lighting levels. The Skylark is ideal for anyone who needs a basic designer-style dimmer switch, and it works well with existing multi-gang decorator wall plates. 

Key Features:

• Easy-to-use slide and on/off rocker 
• Slide adjusts light level 
• Three-way models offer light control from multiple locations 
• Dual-slide models control two sets of lights, or fan and light
• LED+ models for dimmable CFLs and LEDs 
• High-efficiency discharge (HED) lighting technology

Good: Sunnata

If your client is looking for something slightly more advanced, the Sunnata touch dimmers feature LED+ technology that combines superior dimming capabilities with affordability. These LED+ dimmers are quick to install and work in homes of all ages—no neutral wire is required. The end user will be pleased with the Sunnata’s MyLevel personalization, allowing them to customize settings, adjust the light bar’s brightness, and pre-set lighting levels throughout their space.

Key Features:

• LED+ touch dimmer comes  with on/off paddle switch
• Fits a standard designer wall-plate opening
• Compatible with a range of high-efficacy bulbs

Better: Caséta

If your client wants outstanding entry-level wireless connectivity, Caséta is their best bet. Its wireless mini-system is ideal for individual control in a single room, or in main areas of a smaller home or condominium. 

Caséta is built to work in homes of all ages, whether they have old and new wiring. It’s easy to install and use, and is the most connected smart lighting control line. It also integrates seamlessly with other smart home products and services, such as Alexa and Google Assistant. 

You can even add Lutron’s Smart Hub for your client’s enhanced control of lights, thermostats, and window shades!

Key Features:

• Scheduling allows for seasonal sunset changes 
• Personalized scenes can dim lights and set the right mood 
• Smart Away technology protects your client’s home by turning lights on and off while they’re away
• Multiple controls using dimmers, Pico® remotes, a mobile app, or voice assistants like Alexa, Google Assistant, and Siri keep your client in control

Best: RadioRA2 

For larger, more complex smart home solutions, the RadioRA2 control system is the way to go, which includes RA2 Select. 

This system allows the user to control RA2-compatible lights and shades remotely with a smartphone or tablet. Setup is intuitive, as is light and shade level configuration. The compatible pre-engraved Pico scene keypad enables pre-set light and shade levels such as Bright, Entertain, and Relax.

These expanded wireless systems are ideal for retrofits or new construction. Various options allow your client to use existing wiring to install, and give them the added ability to adjust the amount of daylight, electric light, and temperature throughout their home. The RA2 system even offers a standby power option to turn off small appliances when not in use. 

The latest addition to the Radio suite, RadioRA3, is the ultimate experience in lighting control systems. It works with more connected brands than other lighting control or motorized shading systems, and features Lutron’s LEAP API, which offers top-of-the-line network security (and is easy and quick to program!). 

Key Features:

• A wireless total home-control system
• Energy-saving system allows them to adjust the amount of daylight and electric light with light controls and automated shades
• Maintains room temperature in a single room or throughout the whole home

Stay in Control with Lutron

Whether your client is looking for a basic dimmer or a complex smart home solution for a new build, you simply can’t go wrong with Lutron. Need more information before making a decision? Browse Lutron products online or reach out to us for advice!