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Which system is best for me?
This article will go over the features and differences between our residential home automation systems.
Knowledge article contents:
Before we begin
Currently, Lutron has three home automation systems for residential use. These are the Caséta, RadioRA 3, and Homeworks QSX systems. While these systems do share a variety of features, there are differences between them in terms of scale and design of the system. In the following sections we'll be breaking down what features the systems share, options and designs that are exclusive to each system, and rough scale/range we'd recommend for each system. Each system will also have a link to their related webpage for more details on model numbers, an in-depth look at the specific features, and where to buy.
For an in-depth technical review of the rules and guidelines for all of our systems (legacy, residential, and commercial), please see our Residential/Commercial System Rules Specifications.
A term you will see in this article is loads or load types. This would refer to what our devices are controlling (such as lights, motors, fans, etc...) and their various types (such as LED, Incandescent, AC, DC, etc..)
Shared features
These features are shared across all three systems universally. Some features may vary visually in the Lutron App or offer additional options per system, but core functions will be the same.
- Each system uses a 'Hub' or 'Processor' that will need to be hardwired (connected with an ethernet cable) to your network.
- This is to ensure they are the only devices creating network traffic, as all other devices (such as dimmers, remotes, shades, etc...) will either be wired or wirelessly communicating to them via RF (Radio Frequency).
- Uses location to provide an Astronomical Timeclock for scheduled events (such as at/before/after sunrise/sunset)
- The Lutron App
- This app will allow remote control while you are away from the house, as well as local control when you're at home.
- Integration with third-party controls
- Third-party controls such as Amazon Alexa, Google Home, and Apple HomeKit will work with each of our systems and can be configured within the Lutron App.
- Has support for other third-party controls to integrate via LEAP communication.
- Flexible model selection for the following types of loads:
- LEDs, Electronic Low-Voltage (ELV), Magnetic Low-Voltage (MLV), Forward Phase, Reverse Phase, and Fans (AC only)
- We always recommend verifying compatibility with any LED via our LED Compatibility tools: LED Compatibility Tool and LED Product Selection Tool
- Pico Remotes (Paddle and Original design) can be used with any of these systems.
- LEDs, Electronic Low-Voltage (ELV), Magnetic Low-Voltage (MLV), Forward Phase, Reverse Phase, and Fans (AC only)
Caséta
Our Caséta system is designed to be an easy DIY entry into our smart home control. Unlike our other systems, Caséta has two types of hubs: a Smart Hub, and a Pro Hub.
- Recommended House size: Approx. 2000 sq. ft.
- Maximum Number of Devices: 75 (1 Hub and 1 Repeater)
- Device Selection:
- Dimmers (in-wall and plug-in lamp)
- Motion sensors
- Fan controls
- Switches
- Outdoor Plug
- Remotes
- Other Load Types Supported:
- 0-10v with an interface
- Shade Options:
- Serena Shades
- Sivoia QS Triathalon (Pro Hub Only)
- Sivoia QS/Palladiom Wireless (Pro Hub Only)
- Palladiom Wire-Free (Pro Hub Only)
- Design Selection:
- Caséta Original
- Claro
- Diva
- 6 colors available
- Setup Tools:
- Setup is completed entirely through the Lutron App
- It can be done by a professional installer who can assist with remote editing by request.
- Setup is completed entirely through the Lutron App
- Upgradability:
- Pico Remotes, Sivoia QS Triathalon, Sivoia QS Wireless, and Palladiom Wire-Free Shades can be carried over to other systems.
- All other devices are usable in Caséta only.
For more information on our Caséta system, please see our Caséta Webpage.
For more information on the Caséta Smart Hub and its Pro version, please see our Caséta Smart Hub Article.
For more articles relating to our Caséta system, please see our Caséta Support Page.
RadioRA 3
Our RadioRA 3 system is a pro-grade, customizable system with a higher device count and larger overall range. This system will need to be programmed by a Lutron Pro Installer who is certified for this system.
- Recommended House size: Approx. 5000 sq. ft.
- Maximum Number of Devices: 400 - 200 ClearConnect Type A and 200 ClearConnect Type X (4 Processors with up to 4 repeaters per processor)
- Device Selection:
- Dimmers (in-wall and plug-in lamp)
- Motion sensors
- Fan controls
- Switches
- RF Modules
- Appliance Module
- Keypads
- Contact Closures
- Outdoor Plug
- Other Load Types Supported:
- 0-10v
- Switch relay
- Contact Closures
- Lumaris Tapelight
- Shade Options:
- Sivoia QS Triathalon
- Sivoia QS/Palladiom Wireless
- Palladiom Wire-Free
- Design Selection:
- Sunnata
- Maestro
- SeeTouch
- 20+ Colors available
- Setup Tools:
- Laptop/PC programming tool
- Lutron App for ClearConnect Type X activation
- Cloud for backup, version history, and remote servicing
- Upgradability:
- Pico Remotes and wireless shades can carry between systems.
For more information on our RadioRA 3 system, please see our RadioRA 3 Webpage.
For more articles regarding our RadioRA 3 system, please see our RadioRA 3 Support Page.
Homeworks QSX
Our Homeworks QSX system is our most advanced and customizable residential system. This system will need a Lutron Pro Installer to install and program the system.
- Recommended House size: Approx. 10000 sq. ft.
- Maximum Number of Devices: Up to 10,000 Zones (1 Processor with up to 15 additional Processors or Gateways)
- Device Selection:
- Dimmers (in-wall and plug-in lamp)
- Motion sensors
- Fan controls
- Switches
- RF Modules
- Appliance Module
- Keypads (wired and wireless)
- Contact Closures
- Panelized lighting and motor modules
- Other Load Types Supported:
- 0-10v
- Switch relay
- Contact Closures
- Motors
- DALI
- Homeworks Digital
- Lumaris Tapelight
- Ketra
- Shade Options:
- Sivoia QS Triathalon
- Sivoia QS/Palladiom (Wired or Wireless)
- Palladiom Wire-Free
- Design Selection:
- Sunnata
- Maestro
- SeeTouch
- Alisse
- Palladiom
- Signature Series
- Architrave
- 50+ Colors and finishes (polymer, glass, and metal)
- Setup Tools:
- Laptop/PC programming tool
- Lutron App for ClearConnect Type X activation
- Cloud for backup, version history, and remote servicing
- Upgradability:
- Pico Remotes, Sivoia QS Triathalon, Sivoia QS Wireless, and Palladiom Wire-Free Shades can be carried over to other systems.
For more information on our Homeworks QSX system, please see our Homeworks Webpage
For more articles relating to our Homeworks QSX system, Homeworks Support Site (Coming Soon)