As a Lutron Black Diamond Dealer, Wipliance is proud to partner with this global brand and leader in lighting control. In 1997, Lutron debuted RadioRA, a pioneering whole-home lighting control system hailed as the first wireless, radio frequency-based lighting control system offering 2-way feedback. 

In 2009, Lutron introduced the upgraded version, RadioRA 2 (RA2). Staying true to form, about 12 years later, in January 2022, the Lutron RadioRA 3 (RA3), offered the latest upgrade that continues the brand’s pioneering legacy into wireless lighting control. Keep reading below to see if upgrading to RadioRA 3 is right for your Bellevue, WA home.

SEE ALSO: How to Be a Master Entertainer with Lutron Lighting Control

What Are the New Features in RadioRA 3?

This system seamlessly controls your Lutron shades, lights, temperature, and occupancy and vacancy sensors. Some of the new features in the latest upgrade include SUNNATA devices, a new line of wall controls. 

The SUNNATA RF Keypads offer a contemporary light bar design that glows softly, making it easy to locate in the dark, and can be adjusted and turned off for total darkness. These controls also offer remote connectivity, enabling you to control your lighting through the Lutron app, setting schedules and scenes, and adjusting lights, shades, and temperature from anywhere. 

These scenes offer preset levels of light, music, and more based on the activity. For example, a “Relax” scene lowers the shades, raises the temperature, dims the lights, and streams your “Mellow” playlist.

The new SUNNATA devices run on RA3 and include the SUNNATA RF dimmer that allows you to dim LEDs, incandescent, and halogen lights with a touch or swipe of the light bar. The SUNATA RF Switch replaces standard light switches and comes in gloss and satin finishes.

Another new device that runs on RA3 is the Outdoor Plug-in switch. This switch is built to withstand the elements and is designed to control outdoor lights like patio, landscape, and holiday lighting, as well as small pumps and motors for ponds and fountains.

The new processor is powered by PoE (Power over Ethernet), enabling up to 200 connected devices via Lutron’s proprietary Clear Connect RF technology.

How Do You Upgrade to RadioRA 3?

Because RadioRA was introduced over 25 years ago, much of the internet connectivity built into RA2 and RA3 wasn’t available. For this reason, RadioRA can’t upgrade to RA3. Rather, RA3 is considered a replacement.

RA3 is backward compatible with RA2, which means users can upgrade from RA2 to RA3, keeping in mind that a small number of parts aren't compatible. For example, Wallbox Power Modules, which control six lighting zones and are hidden from view in a closet or equipment room, are incompatible. To upgrade, we can replace it with a different style device.

Overall, upgrading from RA2 to RA3 is relatively seamless and worth looking into due to the many benefits. Clear Connect Type X, an extension of the Clear Connect wireless protocols, is optimized for advanced lighting control, launching alongside intelligent light sources by Ketra. New products based on this latter protocol will only be available in RA3.

At Wipliance, we’re happy to discuss the options with you and determine the best approach for your unique needs. To learn more about RadioRA 3 or to schedule a complimentary consultation, contact Wipliance today.