Lutron RA2 Select vs RA3 vs HomeWorks
what’s the difference?
As the inventor of the dimmer switch back in the late 1950s, Lutron is arguably the ‘original’ lighting control brand; and they remain an innovator in the lighting industry today.
Today, Lutron produces not just dimmers and switches, but also motorised blinds, LED strips and lamps, and a range of different smart lighting control systems for a variety of different use cases and target audiences.
The trouble is, Lutron produces so many different smart control systems and products, that it can be tricky to work out which ones are right for you. We’ve put together this simple guide to Lutron’s domestic smart lighting systems to help you cut through the noise.
A quick primer on Lutron’s smart lighting systems
Before we begin, let’s establish which smart lighting systems we’ll be talking about in this guide:
- We’ll be covering the widely available residential lighting systems from the Lutron brand; namely RA2 Select, RadioRA3, and HomeWorks.
- Unfortunately, we won’t be covering Lutron Caséta. This is a great budget smart lighting system in the US and Canada where mains electricity uses 120 volts, but it’s sadly not fully compatible with the 230-volt wiring used in the UK and Europe.
(Similarly, the specs and product range for other Lutron systems can differ somewhat between their US and UK/EU counterparts.)
- We also won’t be covering Lutron’s commercial-only lighting systems such as Athena, Quantum and Vive; although we will likely take a look at these particular systems in a follow-up article.
With that out of the way, let’s move onto the first Lutron smart lighting system on our list for discussion…
RA2 Select: entry-level smart lighting with waning support
At the somewhat more affordable end of the Lutron home smart lighting spectrum is RA2 Select; a versatile and robust system which is nevertheless beginning to show its age.
RA2 Select boasts wireless signal communications across up to 5,000 square feet, which is more than enough coverage for a luxury 4-bedroom London home.
Plus, a single system can handle up to 100 individual devices; including not just switches, dimmers and Lutron’s Pico remotes, but also motorised shades, wireless thermostats, occupancy sensors, repeaters and more.
It’s important to note that all of Lutron’s home smart lighting systems – including RA2 Select – use radio frequency communication and can operate without an internet connection.
However, if you wish to control your lighting via your smartphone, tablet, smart speaker or other internet-connected device, you’ll need a Main Repeater smart hub. This unlocks more scene control, scheduling and geofencing options via the Lutron app, as well as compatibility with smart home platforms like Amazon Alexa, Apple HomeKit and others.
Unfortunately, Lutron has already discontinued the Main repeater hub back in 2023; along with starter kits containing the hub.
Some retailers are still stocking them, and official support for RA2 Select is expected to continue in the future, but it’s clear that Lutron are beginning to move away from the older system as they focus on the new RadioRA3 instead.
You should get RA2 Select if:
You’re looking for a more affordable smart lighting solution. RA2 Select is not really a ‘budget’ system by any means; but if you’re set on the Lutron brand, RA2 offers the lowest price point.
You’re looking to keep things simple. RA2 Select offers intuitive and straightforward lighting control that anyone can use.
You don’t want the hassle of heavy refurbishments. Lutron’s RA2 system is designed to simply retrofit existing light switches, so there’s no need to rip wires out of the walls and ceilings.
RadioRA3: the shiny new solution with more features
Pitched by Lutron as a middle option between RA2 Select and HomeWorks, RadioRA3 is essentially a more powerful, scalable version of RA2 which is suitable for both home and office projects.
RadioRA3 boasts support for up to 400 devices (four times that of RA2 Select) and up to four processors, each delivering 2,500 square feet of coverage (so a four-processor system can manage spaces up to 10,000 square feet).
As well as backwards compatibility with Pico remotes, motorised shades, thermostats and Lutron’s Radio Power Savr occupancy sensors, the system supports Lutron’s new Vierti wall keypads and Lumaris LED tape strips. (Keypad buttons can even be engraved with your own custom labels.)
There’s also greater options for personalising your lighting scenes, and all the connectivity of internet-connected devices is built directly into the processor units; making app control and integration with other smart home tech seamless.
Disappointingly, though, not all RA2 Select components are backwards-compatible with the new system. If you’re an existing RA2 customer looking to upgrade, some elements (such as in-line switches and dimmers) will need to be switched out for new RA3-compatible versions.
While RA2 Select is available to consumers at retail, RadioRA3 is currently only available via qualified installers. Notably, remote access can be enabled within the system; enabling installers to make programming adjustments without having to visit your property.
You should get RadioRA3 if:
- You’re looking for flexibility and adaptability. RadioRA3 is designed to evolve and scale with your lighting needs. You can start with just a single processor and add more later; perfect if you’re considering extension work in the future.
- You want more personalisation and control options. RA3 comes with more scene customisation options, and there’s better (although reportedly limited) support for Samsung SmartThings.
HomeWorks: the ultimate luxury smart home solution
At the high end of Lutron’s smart lighting offerings is HomeWorks QSX; a system which offers extraordinary control, flexibility and integration capabilities.
The pitch here is that almost any possible lighting customisation, control and integration arrangement you can imagine is achievable with the HomeWorks system; no matter how large or complex your home. The system can even handle commercial applications.
Each system can handle up to sixteen processors and thousands of light fixtures, shades, dimmers, switches, keypads, remotes and repeaters. On top of compatibility with the aforementioned Pico, Vierti, Lumaris and Power Savr technologies, HomeWorks also brings compatibility with stylish Alisse, Palladiom, Aviena and Architrave wall controls (among others).
Plus, there’s also integration with building management systems, audio/visual systems such as Sonos, home security technology, AI assistant technology and more.
HomeWorks can be set up as a centralised, localised or hybrid design. Control every light and shade from a single control panel, control individual rooms via their own wall panels, or both; the choice is yours.
Plus, like RadioRA3, HomeWorks can be reconfigured remotely by your installer via remote access as your lighting needs change.
As you might expect, all this luxury comes with a serious price tag; and like RadioRA3, HomeWorks is only available via Lutron-endorsed installers. If you need something more affordable, we’d recommend sticking with RA2 Select or RadioRA3.
It’s also worth noting that HomeWorks has gone through several iterations over the years. HomeWorks QSX is the latest model and boasts eight times the processing power, smoother connection with third-party devices and more straightforward remote access.
The previous iteration, HomeWorks QS, is still available at the time of writing; but Lutron has announced that several key QS components are being discontinued at the end of 2024. If you’re planning a new installation, you should probably go for QSX instead.
You should get HomeWorks if:
You have a larger home or multi-residence property. HomeWorks can operate over tens of thousands of square feet and 10,000 different lighting zones.
You’re looking to achieve a more complex lighting scheme. For designers and architects, the HomeWorks system offers unparalleled freedom for creating dream luxury home spaces.
You want true luxury. If you’re happy to spend thousands or even tens of thousands, HomeWorks offers almost everything you could ever want from a smart home lighting system.
Conclusion
We’ve hopefully given you a clearer picture of the differences between RA2 Select, RadioRA3 and HomeWorks, and perhaps which system is the best fit for your home or domestic build project.
Ultimately, the right system comes down to your particular lighting needs, space and budget.
Here at JC Electrical UK, our team can provide site surveys and impartial guidance to help you plan your home smart lighting project; and as Lutron PRO Installers, we can provide RadioRA3 and HomeWorks installations as well as extended warranties on Lutron products.
Call us on 0208 839 9561 or email info@jcelectric.co.uk to discuss your home smart lighting needs today.
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