Introduction
Rako is one the leading lighting control systems which performance admirably against the competition Lutron and Control 4 but does benefit by being of lower cost and it is easier to install. This makes it an ideal choice for high end residential and commercial properties.
One of the key benefits of Rako is the wireless solution which makes it a first choice for retrofits to existing properties where the lighting wiring is in place but there is no automation.
The key element of lighting control is to be able to select lighting scenes for a space which are set at the push of a button which will dim all the different lighting circuits to a prescribed level in the room. Rako allows you to have between 2 and 7 lighting scenes dependent on the selection of the control panel. For example a RCM-100 will allow 7 scenes to be programmed and a RCM-070 4 scenes.

Typically the scenes can light different areas of the space and allow for relaxation or for working by setting the light levels to the appropriate setting.

The Wireless Dimmers.

The RMT500 wireless dimmer is a trailing edge dimmer unit which has compact proportions and accordingly can be slipped up into the ceiling void through down-lighter holes. This means the converting a conventionally wired property to lighting control is straightforward and the existing wiring can normally be used. As the control panels are wireless these can then be positioned in place of the existing light switches or alternatively placed elsewhere in the room as no switch wiring is needed. The RMT500 is a very versatile dimmer which works very well on good quality LEDs anb depending on the back load of the LEDs can operate up to 500 watts of load. For larger loads the RMT1200 is a preferred choice as this can handle loads up to 1200w. There are leading edge dimmers available as well which are often better for incandescent or dimmable fluorescent loads. More details on the dimmer please take a look here RMT500.

Benefits if the Wireless System

• Good for retrofits and no switch wires needed
• Lower cost of control panels
• Extra control panels can be easily introduced at a late stage as no wiring needed

Wired Systems

For a wired system the RAK4 dimmers would normally be used, typically the RAK-4T which is a 4 channel trailing edge dimmer. These are normally located in a control room and all the lighting circuits would be run back to this room. The RAK-4T will take 4 channels but these can be linked together with a RAK-LINK to allow up to 8 RAK-4T dimmers to be connected together.

The other element of the wired system is the control panels. With the wired system then the control panels typically the WCM-070 would be daisy chained together with CAT5e cabling. If it is more convenient then a RAK-STAR can be used which means the control panels can be star wired from the control room.
However it is still possible to utilise the wireless control panels with the RAK system. This is done by introducing a RX-Link which allows wireless devices for instance control panels, to be connected into the Rako RAK dimmers.

Benefits of Wired System

• No batteries needed for control panels
• Control panels have back lit buttons for ease of viewing in the dark
• Programming easier where it is desired to control lighting is different rooms from certain control panels
• No limitation on RF signal strength and no distance limitations

LEDs are gaining popularity across the globe because of their unprecedented features. When it comes to a commercial application, nothing can beat the performance of advanced LED panels. Modern LED panels are designed to offer high quality lighting than any other forms of illumination available. As a result, more and more commercial property owners are using LED panels to illuminate their premises.

Now the question arises, why one should consider LED panels over any other lighting? Let’s find out…

Size of the LED Panels

A wide variety of LED panels are available on the market today. You must choose them according to your lighting needs as well as premises. If you have smaller office, you can go for 600x600mm LED Ceiling Light Panels because they are ideal for offices having smaller space and fit directly in to the ceiling grid. The panels are actually made to be 595x595mm so they fit. However, choose 1200x600mm LED Panels, if you have larger premises to illuminate. Note- both these LED panels have their own advantages. Explore all the specifications and technical details before placing an order.

Emergency battery pack

For commercial premises you will normally need an emergency light which will provide at least 1 lux of light for a minimum of 3 hours. Alternatively, if you have your office in an area, which is prone to frequent power failure or fluctuation, then choose LED light panels that are designed to provide consistent, and flicker free light for hours even after power cut. All you need to do is to buy an emergency battery pack with the LED panel. It will provide uninterrupted light and improve the overall productivity of your business.

Colour temperature

You might be aware that the range of colour temperature varies from 2700K to 6500K. In other words, it gives you the liberty to choose the colour temperature according to your working environment. If you have a restaurant or a hotel, choose soft white light because it creates a warm, welcoming and gentle ambiance. In fact, it is also ideal for living and dining rooms. On the other hand, cool white light is perfect for normal offices that require sufficient lighting to perform daily tasks. However, if the nature of work is somewhat precision oriented, you must choose daylight.

Thickness

If you are remodelling your premises then you have the option to choose thin LED panels. For better result, choose 600x600mm LED panels because they are ultra thin – just 10mm thick, which makes them ideal for commercial applications.

So, consider the above points before buying LED panels. However, it must be noted that it is advisable to order LED panels of different colour temperature and after checking their functionality and output, order them in bulk quantity.

Here are a few advantages of having Led Panels:

• Quick and economical installation.
• Provide sophisticated and professional look.
• Durable, beautiful and eye-soothing.
• Deliver high quality bright light.
• Functional, non-toxic and eco-friendly.
• Ideal for modern homes as well as offices.
• Last longer.
• Flexible, suitable and maintenance free.
• Unmatched performance.
• Ensure efficient light output.
• Produce warm and pleasing light.
• Available in multiple designs and styles.
• Perfect for large office space.
• Reduce energy cost.
• LED panels are compatible and can easily fitted to ceilings.

If your are looking to create the perfect atmosphere for your home, you must choose dimmable LED lights. These lights are specially designed to provide warm and bright light. Today, a wide variety of dimmable LED lights are available on the market. But what about the dimmer modules? Thanks to Varilight, now we have got a wide range of advanced V-PRO Dimmers.

These Varilight V-PRO Dimmers are designed to offer the best possible dimming performance. With the help of Varilight’s V-PRO Dimmers, you can easily control dimmable LEDs, dimmable CFLs, electronic low voltage transformers, and much more to make the environment pleasing, cosy and classy.

Wall dimmers and Modules

The Vpro can be purchased in a number of different styles of faceplate to match with the Varilight Product Range. By example there are plain white, the Classic range or the screwless low profile Dimension range. Then within these ranges there is a choice between brushed steel, polished chrome, premium white, black and a number of other finishes which can be selected to match your interior.
Alternatively you can just tale the dimmer modules and fit these into existing dimmer faceplates. This is particularly useful if you are retrofitting an LED dimmer into an old fashioned dimmer which needs upgrading to work with LEDs.

Features of Varilight’s Z0JP250-P 1G Vpro Dimmer Module

One of the most significant features of Varilight’s Z0JP250-P 1G Vpro Dimmer Module is that it provides stable light output. Additionally you can select the mode of your dimmer to match the lights you are dimming. This means you would normally select trailing edge dimming for LEDs and leading edge dimming for other lights.

It must be noted that, these dimmer modules are ideal for halogen and filament lamps. They also have a soft start capability with overload protection, which prevents it from abrupt powerful failure. Unquestionably, it provides you complete peace of mind

Advantages of using Varilight Z0JP250-P 1G Vpro Dimmer Module

• Flexible, smart and compatible.
• Provides better dimming control.
• Ideal for optimum dimming.
• Advanced and cost-effective.
• Intelligent load detection.
• Can be switched between trailing edge and leading edge dimming mode.
• The minimum dim level can be set which is particularly useful for LEDs which flicker at low loads.

More details on this versatile dimmer can be seen here Varilight Dimmer Module z0jp250-p

The High Powered Varilight MJP300 Vpro Dimmer Module

For installations where the 120w maximum LED load is not sufficient, Varilight have now brought out the MJP300 high powered dimmer module. This has all the benefits of the standard version but will take a load up to 300 watts. This is especially useful for dimming arrays of ceiling lights or even LED panels.

More details of the high powerred dimmer module can be seen here Varilight High Power Module MJP300

How to use a switched light in a multi-gang dimmer plate

In a number of instances there is the need to have switched light in a multi-gang dimmer plate. The way to accommodate this is to use the Varilight Z0H0 . This has the same visual style as the rotary dimmers but operates as a switch by pushing on and off. This is excellent for non-dimmable LEDs or fluorescent lights which are normally non dimmable.

As it is suitable for a wide variety of halogen and LEDs, you can use them at your home or office according to your requirements. No doubt, you can use dimmable modules to achieve the best possible dimming performance.

People choose different types of dimmable modules from other manufacturers as well; however, they always do not get the expected output, but when it comes to Varilight Z0JP250-P 1G Vpro Dimmer Module, the thing is somewhat different because it has the capacity to provide you with optimum output and ultimate comfort.

On top of that people choose these dimmers because they can be easily adjusted according to their lighting requirements . So, get ready to experiment with Varilight’s V-PRO Dimmers.

In a previous article we discussed in depth where LED strips can be used in the kitchen, to give ideas and show what it would look like. We are now going to steer away from the kitchen and go into detail of where else LED strips can be used.

The range of uses and places where you can put the strips is so wide; this article however is going to focus on its uses inside the home. The LED tape has a multi-use of both creating light but also creating an atmosphere.

LED strips in the Bedroom
The bedroom may seem like an unlikely place to put the strips but, when used in the right way, they can be very atmospheric. Where would you put LED’s in the bedroom to make them atmospheric?

Putting strips in the ceiling cove illuminates the ceiling and reflects back into the room to create natural light. You can also make the bedroom look innovative by using coloured LED’s – lighting up the room to whatever colour the LED strip is – complimenting your colour scheme and adding atmosphere!

Make your bed even more of a focal point in your bedroom by using LED’s! If you have a head board you can put a strip on the back of that to make it stand out from the wall. Putting LED strips along the skirting of the bed is also effective and almost makes your bed look like its hovering off the floor! With the added possibility of being able to change the colours of the LED’s they give a playful and fun feel!

Got a walk in wardrobe? LED’s can be ideal in a wardrobe to light up the clothes and make it look more exciting than your bog standard wardrobe. The tape illuminates the clothes and gives better lighting in the wardrobe where it can sometimes be lacking. Depending on the style of your wardrobe doors, LED’s can also be used to light the doors and give added effect.

Children’s bedrooms are somewhere the use of LED tape can’t be wrong! Especially with the LED strips that come in different colours, they add variation, fun and I don’t know a child who wouldn’t want some in their room! For additional fun, with the controller the colour of the strips can change – your child wouldn’t want to leave their room!

LED Strips in the Bathroom

Having LED’s in the bathroom is a lot more common than you probably think. Due to the availability of being able to get the tape in different levels of water resistance, the LED’s are very popular for use in the bathroom because of their versatility.

Your shower can be lit up and become a focal point of your bathroom with LED’s. Putting strips at the top and bottom of the skirting of the shower can alter the effect it has. Putting LED’s at the top can act as lighting in itself, so would mean you might not necessarily need anything else to light up the shower. To add a little something extra, you can make use of the colour changing LED’s and change the colour of your shower depending on your mood.

A bathroom is the one room you would undoubtedly find a mirror! Mirrors have the ability to reflect; they reflect the room and your reflection as you look into them. Reflecting the room can make it look bigger, so if you have a small bathroom, why not put LED tape around the mirror to draw attention to it and help aid the impression of the bathroom being bigger.
No need to make your bathroom look bigger? Why not add a contemporary twist and modern feel to the bathroom by adding LED tape around the edges anyway? It creates an illusion of class while also being practical in improving the light, therefore improving the reflection.

The practicalities of LED strips in a bathroom have similar uses and fittings to those in the kitchen; for example, you could have a cabinet above the sink which can create shadows below, so why not add an LED strip to the bottom of the cabinet to light the sink underneath? For more ideas of the use of LED’s with cabinets click here.

LED strips on Stairs

Why would you put LED strips on stairs? Why not! The tape is effective in lighting up the stairs, and would reduce the need for there being any other lighting.

These are a small snippet or some of the places you can put LED’s strips in your home. No matter what style of house you have or what colour scheme there will undoubtedly be a place you can put an LED strip to make the most of the light and effect they give.

If you have any further questions or would like any more information please get in contact and we will be happy to help! For our range of LED strips and added extras please click here.