Why Rako
Rako is a UK lighting control manufacturer based in Rochester, Kent. Their systems have won Best Lighting Control at the Smart Building Awards five years running. What makes Rako distinctive is the combination of flexibility, build quality, and value. Whether you want wireless control in a single room or a fully wired whole home system, Rako has a solution that scales to fit.
Rako is particularly popular with interior designers and architects because of the wide range of keypad finishes (including custom options) and the ability to mix wired and wireless devices on the same system.
We are a trained Rako dealer, qualified to design, install, and programme Rako systems for homes across Kingston, Surrey, and South West London.
Rako wireless
Rako wireless is retrofit friendly with no rewiring needed. The system is built around two installation options. Wireless in line dimmers (for example the RMT 500, a 500W trailing edge dimmer) mount in the ceiling void before the light fitting, so there is no visible change to the room. Wireless wallbox dimmers (such as the RCM 070, a 250W trailing edge dimmer with neutral and no minimum load) replace existing dimmers in the back box.
Wireless keypads are lithium battery powered, which means no wiring at the switch position. The EOS keypad range is available in seven finishes. Programming uses Rako's patented NFC technology for quick setup via the RASOFT Pro software and a RAMPI programming interface or Hub.
Add a Rako Hub (the RK HUB for wired ethernet, or the WK HUB for wireless) for app control on iOS and Android, voice assistant integration with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit, scheduling, holiday simulation, and cloud services. Leading and trailing edge dimming options are both available, with trailing edge recommended for LED.
Ideal for: adding lighting control to existing homes, room by room upgrades, and listed buildings where rewiring is impractical.
Rako wired
Rako wired centralises dimming via the RAK8, an 8 channel motherboard with interchangeable plug in modules. Module options include 400W trailing edge (for LED and halogen), 600W mains switching, 0 to 10V/DSI/DALI ballast control, 300W leading edge, and curtain or blind motor control. All memory is stored on the motherboard, so modules can be swapped without reprogramming.
RAK8 units can be stacked. Up to 16 channels per stack on a wireless system (via Rx LINK), or up to 32 channels per stack on a wired system (via RAK LINK). RAK4 and RAK8 units can be mixed on the same stack. The racks are installed in a central location (utility room, plant room, or distribution board area), keeping all dimming central for a cleaner installation and easier maintenance.
Full programming is via RASOFT Pro software. The RAK LINK wired connection unit provides power for up to 32 Rakom devices over 1000m of CAT5e cable, with daisy chain or star wiring configurations via RAK STAR. Time clocks, macros, holiday simulation, and event scheduling are all available via a Rako Hub.
Wired keypads connect via CAT5 with feedback LEDs. The EOS keypad range features a screwless all metal fascia in seven hand finished options (matt white, matt black, satin chrome, polished chrome, matt bronze, antique brass, polished brass), with six configurable buttons and custom engraving available via Rako's Plate Designer.
Ideal for: new builds, major renovations, and homes where the electrician has access during first fix.
Blinds and curtain control
Rako RACUB modules control third party blind and curtain motors. Integrated into the Rako system, blinds and curtains can be included in lighting scenes. A "movie" scene might dim the lights and close the blinds simultaneously. Scheduling allows blinds to open at sunrise and close at sunset automatically.
Tunable white lighting
Rako supports colour temperature control (tunable white) for LEDs that offer warm to cool adjustment. The RLED30 CV4+ is a wireless three or four channel constant voltage LED dimmer for RGB and tunable white tape, at 30W per channel at 12V or 60W per channel at 24V. For DALI type 8 fittings, the RSR DLI (wireless, 15 channel) provides Digital Lighting Interface control compatible with EN62386. A wired equivalent (WSR DLI) is also available. This allows warmer light in the evening and cooler light during the day, supporting wellbeing and circadian rhythm.
Trained Rako dealer
Sparcford is Foundation and Advanced certified by Rako, trained at their UK headquarters in Rochester. We design, programme, and install both wireless and wired Rako systems.
Frequently asked questions
Rako or Lutron — which is right for me?
Both are excellent. Lutron is the global market leader with a premium feel and the widest integration ecosystem, particularly suited to whole home automation that ties together AV, HVAC, and security. Rako is UK made, often more flexible at the wireless end, and tends to offer strong value across a wider range of project sizes. For listed buildings or retrofit work where wiring access is limited, Rako wireless is frequently the better fit. We will recommend honestly based on your project.
What is the wireless range and is it reliable?
Rako wireless uses a dedicated 868 MHz RF protocol, not Wi-Fi. Range between devices is typically 30 metres indoors, and the system can be extended with additional devices acting as repeaters. Because it operates on its own frequency, it is unaffected by Wi-Fi traffic or interference from other smart devices in the home.
How many rooms can a Rako system support?
A wireless system comfortably supports a typical home, and rooms can be added incrementally. A wired RAK8 stack supports up to 32 channels per stack, and stacks can be combined across a property. In practice, both systems scale from a single room to a full house.
What does a Rako system cost?
A single room wireless setup with a couple of dimmers and a keypad typically starts from a few hundred pounds. A multi room wireless system with a hub and several keypads usually falls between £1,500 and £4,000 depending on scope. A wired system for a new build or major renovation is project specific and quoted after design. These are indicative figures; we provide a fixed quote once we have understood your project.
Can I start with one room and expand later?
Yes. This is one of the strongest reasons to choose Rako. You can start with a single room (perhaps the kitchen or main living space), add the Hub to enable app control and scheduling, and then add further rooms over time. All devices on the system remain compatible.
Discuss your Rako project
Tell us about your home and what you would like to achieve. We will arrange a free consultation to discuss the right Rako setup for your space.