Lutron DIY Help

[blondeh]

I am currently renovating my flat and would like to install a Lutron lighting system.  The system will be installed by an electrician (I have builders in at the moment) so I'll need to supply all required components for them to fit.
 
The problem is I'm new to home automation, lighting, and electronics... so I have a lot of questions! Surprisingly there's not that much good info around on the web about how to setup a DIY Lutron system... so here I am (please let me know of any good DIY resources that are out there!)
 
My flat is about 1,100 sq feet (100 sq m) and spread over 2 floors, with 2 bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/living area, office, 2 bathrooms and a roof terrace. I'd like Lutron throughout.  Most switches will need to be dimmers, with some being dual dimmers.  Also there will need to be standard on/off switches dotted around.  I'd like things to work wirelessly and also with phone apps etc...
 
My questions are as follows:

• I think I need the Radio RA2 system to achieve what I want.  Is this the best option for me?  What are the other options?
• As I want dimmers everywhere (and sometimes dual dimmers) does that mean I can't use LED bulbs?  It looks like the dual dimmers don't work with LED for some reason.  
• I don't really have any problems using Halogen bulbs if I have to, but I'd like to future proof the system as much as possible and it looks like LED is taking over.  What are my options here?
• What are the minimum components I need to get a fully working system?  
• Do I need a "Main Repeater" and a "Grafik Eye"?  
• How many Graphik Eye's should I use?
• If I need a Main Repeater where should I put it? Are you supposed to hide it away somewhere?
• Do I need "Scene Selection Wall Controls" as well as normal switches?  Or is it better to use remotes that can be moved around?
• What kind of price might I be looking at for a system that has 6 x dual dimmers, 3 x single dimmers, 4 x on/ff switches and the other required components?
• Are there any special requirements when dealing with outdoor lighting? Obviously it's fine for the switch to be internal

 
I realize this is a really long list so thanks to anyone who can help out with any of the questions!
 
Thanks!
 
 

 

[caraj]

HI, I think RadioRa is perfect for you. it is super reliable, fast and easy to program/tweak
I can try to answer some of your questions...
 
Minimum components are the Main repeater and your dimmer/switches as required. You can later add the wall mounted button controllers for instant access to scenes. I love the ipad/iphone app so I would highly suggest you get that as well although it is not needed.
 
You do not need graphic eye,.
 
Place the main repeater preferably in the center of your home. I have my main repeater in the basement and I use 2 repeaters in a 5000 Sq Ft house with no issues ever
 
I guess around $100 or so per switch plus maybe about $500 for the main repeater. I don't remember exactly but those prices might be a little on the high side
 
Nothing special for outdoor normal lighting as long as you consider the wattage requirements per switch
 
 

I am currently renovating my flat and would like to install a Lutron lighting system.  The system will be installed by an electrician (I have builders in at the moment) so I'll need to supply all required components for them to fit.
 
The problem is I'm new to home automation, lighting, and electronics... so I have a lot of questions! Surprisingly there's not that much good info around on the web about how to setup a DIY Lutron system... so here I am (please let me know of any good DIY resources that are out there!)
 
My flat is about 1,100 sq feet (100 sq m) and spread over 2 floors, with 2 bedrooms, an open plan kitchen/living area, office, 2 bathrooms and a roof terrace. I'd like Lutron throughout.  Most switches will need to be dimmers, with some being dual dimmers.  Also there will need to be standard on/off switches dotted around.  I'd like things to work wirelessly and also with phone apps etc...
 
My questions are as follows:

• I think I need the Radio RA2 system to achieve what I want.  Is this the best option for me?  What are the other options?
• As I want dimmers everywhere (and sometimes dual dimmers) does that mean I can't use LED bulbs?  It looks like the dual dimmers don't work with LED for some reason.  
• I don't really have any problems using Halogen bulbs if I have to, but I'd like to future proof the system as much as possible and it looks like LED is taking over.  What are my options here?
• What are the minimum components I need to get a fully working system?  
• Do I need a "Main Repeater" and a "Grafik Eye"?  
• How many Graphik Eye's should I use?
• If I need a Main Repeater where should I put it? Are you supposed to hide it away somewhere?
• Do I need "Scene Selection Wall Controls" as well as normal switches?  Or is it better to use remotes that can be moved around?
• What kind of price might I be looking at for a system that has 6 x dual dimmers, 3 x single dimmers, 4 x on/ff switches and the other required components?
• Are there any special requirements when dealing with outdoor lighting? Obviously it's fine for the switch to be internal

 
I realize this is a really long list so thanks to anyone who can help out with any of the questions!
 
Thanks!

 

[blondeh]

Thanks Caraj, all very helpful.
 
So you don't need a Grafik Eye then... is this is just an add-on that gives you scene controls and things?  I guess this is something you could put in the hallway to control all the lights at once?
 
It sounds like 1 main repeater should be enough to cover my flat as well.
 
Can anyone else help with the other questions?

 

[dgage]

I'll try to answer some of these and more later but first a clarifying question. What do you mean by a "dual dimmer"?

 

[Neurorad]

Also, what do you mean by 'flat'?  Are you in the UK?  I don't think RadioRA 2 is available in the UK - but not sure.
 
I think QS is available, though.  Go to Lutron's website, and set location at the top of the page, to see what they offer.

 

[Neurorad]

I think the GrafikEye QS is an option, though, from Lutron's site.

 

[blondeh]

Thanks for the replies.
 
By "flat" I mean my home/apartment (I'm from England).
 
I've had a look on the Lutron site and switched it to the UK site and the Radio RA2 system is no longer appearing.
 
The options it gives me for whole home solution is now HomeWorks QS and Grafik RA 2.  So it looks like Grafik RA 2 is my best option?  GrafikEye QS and GrafikEye 3000 are also there but is listed as a single room solution.
 
The Lutron site doesn't really do a good job at explaining exactly what components you actually need to achieve your goal.  I'm now confused as to whether I need a Main Repeater, a Wallbox Power Module and a GrafikEye.  Do I need all 3?
 
Also the switch options seem to be less now that I've selected UK.  Can anyone else help (especially UK based people?).
 
@dgage, dual dimmer is where one dimmer panel has 2 dimmers on it, so you can control 2 light loads separately from 1 location.  You can see an example here - http://www.lutron.com/europe/Products/Pages/StandAloneControls/Dimmers-Switches/RaniaDimmer/Models.aspx

 

[az1324]

Grafik RA2 is essentially GrafikEye QS with the addition of a main repeater.
 
So yes you need a main repeater if you want to use apps & software.  You need to replace every switch location with a GrafikEye (each can replace up to 6 switches in the same location).  Wallbox Power module is basically a GrafikEye without control buttons designed to be hidden away so you probably don't need any.
 
Homeworks QS is not DIY. 
 
You should probably consider z-wave instead.  www.zwaveeurope.com

 

[blondeh]

Thanks az1234.
 
So I'm beginning to understand a bit more now... I will need a GrafikEye QS AND a Main Repeater.
 
I still have a few extra questions:

• What do you mean by "switch location"?
• How many GrafikEyes should I use?  In my lighting plans (that an architect drew up - see below) I have approximately 10 groups/zones of lights with each group containing between 4 - 12 ceiling downlights each.  I was hoping for 1 GrafikEye and the rest would be standard dimmers and switches.
• Where should the Main Repeater go?  Sounds like this should be hidden away in a cupboard or something?  Is there a reason to have it on display?

I have uploaded the technical drawings (1 for each floor) for the flat which shows all lighting in RED, with red lines to show where the switch on the wall needs to be.  The "D" in the drawing means "dimmer" and "DD" means "dual dimmer" where 2 zones of lights can be controlled from 1 switch.
 
Downstairs Plan

 
Upstairs Plan

 
Hope this helps!

 

[tmbrown97]

Your other options are UPB and Z-Wave as I believe both are available there;
 
I don't know the specifics of Lutron with the UK but I do know that most of the lutron dimmers have different specs and scenarios - but most specifically if you're not using a neutral you have to use the best matched switch for a particular load.  They have several variations of the switch depending on the load, dimming/non-dimming, high-efficiency (led/cfl) vs. the low efficiency like halogen or incandescent; you basically go over the load type and calculate out the best switch for each load.  If something exceeds the allowable load for a particular gang box, that's where a power booster comes in.

 

[picta]

Lutron's products are not DIY, you need to go through a dealer to certify the installation, or become a dealer yourself by taking their classes. GrafikEye is not the same as RadioRA line, it is essentially a hard-wired system. You can get GrafikEye with Ecosystem that will control 3 standard dimming loads and 3 specialized (like LED or ballasts). It seems like you'll need at least 2 of the main units, one per floor. Each unit can power up to 3 keypads/wallstations. For more than 3 you'll need a power unit. The main unit can also communicate with lutron wireless devices such as pico remotes, sensors and shades. The repeater can be placed anywhere, it can also be connected to a PC for automation control.
 
Like others have already suggested, it may be better to look at alternative DIY options like z-wave or KNX. I would also recommend Centralite jetstream, but not sure if it is available in UK.

 

[az1324]

The GrafikEye IS the dimmer (actually it's 6 dimmers in one).
 
Lutron is probably not a great DIY choice in your country since there are not as many products available.
 
The best thing to do would be either get an professional Lutron design consultation or choose another technology.

 

[az1324]

Lutron's products are not DIY, you need to go through a dealer to certify the installation, or become a dealer yourself by taking their classes. GrafikEye is not the same as RadioRA line, it is essentially a hard-wired system. You can get GrafikEye with Ecosystem that will control 3 standard dimming loads and 3 specialized (like LED or ballasts). It seems like you'll need at least 2 of the main units, one per floor. Each unit can power up to 3 keypads/wallstations. For more than 3 you'll need a power unit. The main unit can also communicate with lutron wireless devices such as pico remotes, sensors and shades. The repeater can be placed anywhere, it can also be connected to a PC for automation control.

 
You are giving bad information.  The GrafikEye can communicate wirelessly and the European version has up to 6 built in zones w/ load control. 

 

[blondeh]

Thanks for all the replies guys.
 
I'm still trying to stick with Lutron even though it's not the easiest to DIY.  I've enrolled on the free Lutron web based learning courses and will work through that in order to 'certify' myself.
 
From what's explained above I think I'll need 2 GrafikEye QS 6 zone boxes - 1 per floor basically which should cover for 12 light zones.  I guess I have 10 light zones (?) looking at my plans.
 
I'll probably go for the less efficient halogen bulbs as it sounds like they produce much better looking light.  Although I don't want to design a system that is stuck with halogen when LED bulbs keep improving.  What's the best way to design the system so that I can use halogen for now and upgrade to LED later if I need to?  My impressions are that certain switches don't work with all bulb types which makes it trickier.

 

[az1324]

You realize that you will have to completely change your electrical wiring plan to work with GrafikEye and that the only wireless keypads available are pico remotes?