Rako Controls

What Rako Controls does

Rako Controls Ltd is a UK-based manufacturer of smart lighting control systems, established in 2002 and headquartered in Rochester, Kent, with 11-50 employees. The company designs and produces both wired (RAKOM CAT5) and wireless (RF Rakom) digital dimming systems, built around a modular architecture including the rack-mounted RAK8 platform with pluggable insert cards (trailing edge, leading edge, 0-10V/DSI/DALI, switching, curtain/blind control), DIN rail-mounted modules, in-line RF dimmers, three keypad families (Modular, EOS, Classic), and dedicated hubs (RK-HUB/WK-HUB) that provide cloud connectivity, app control and integration with third-party platforms.

The product supports multiple lighting control protocols (DALI, DMX, DSI, 0-10V) and integrates with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Sonos, Crestron, Control4, Savant, RTI, URC, Nice, Bodhi, and Silent Gliss. A patented NFC programming feature allows wireless keypads to be commissioned by placing the device on a hub or RAMPI interface, reducing cabling complexity during installation. Programming is delivered through Rasoft Pro software for Windows and Mac.

The business model is hardware sales through a UK network of trained dealers and installers, supplemented by paid RIBA- and BIID-accredited CPD training for specifiers and free day-long dealer training courses. Pricing is not disclosed publicly; quotes require site-specific lighting schedules. Rako's primary customer segments are residential smart-home owners and hospitality venues (e.g., COYA Restaurant Group, Stanley House Hotel & Spa), with secondary engagement of architects, lighting designers and interior designers through its CPD programme. The company has won Best Lighting Control at the Smart Building Awards for five consecutive years and was inducted into the CEDIA Global Product Hall of Fame in 2024.

Name

Rako Controls

Legal name

Rako Controls Ltd

Website

https://rakocontrols.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Rako Controls is a UK-based manufacturer of smart lighting control systems, selling wired and wireless dimming hardware, modular dimmer racks, DIN rail modules, keypads and cloud-enabled hubs through a trained dealer and installer network. It serves residential smart-home owners, hospitality venues, and architectural specifiers across the UK and select international markets.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Smart Lighting Control Systems

NAICS

Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (33513), Electric Lighting Equipment Manufacturing (3351)

SIC

Electric Lighting & Wiring Equipment (3640), Auto Controls For Regulating Residential & Comml Environments (3822)

akta.pro primary industry

Lighting Controls & Building Integration (Drivers, sensors, dimming, lighting control panels, networked lighting) (IMAGAIAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Lighting Controls & Smart Lighting Systems (BPABAGAC), Smart Lighting & Electrical (Bulbs, Switches, Outlets, Panels) (HSAPAQAC)

Keywords

• Smart lighting control
• LED dimming systems
• Home automation integration
• Wired wireless keypads
• DALI DMX lighting

Headquarters

HQ city

Rochester

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Hardware or Manufacturing

Cost components

Supply Chain, Technology or R&D, Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales

Revenue model

1. Smart Lighting Control Hardware Sales: Rako generates revenue through the sale of proprietary lighting control hardware including wired and wireless dimmer modules (RAK8, DIN, in-line RMT/RML/RMS), control keypads (Modular, EOS, Classic in wired and wireless variants), hub/network interfaces, programming interfaces (RAMPI), and curtain/blind control modules. Products are sold through a network of trained dealers and installers. The model is primarily one-time hardware purchase with a 3-year warranty, supplemented by aftersales repair and service.
2. Training and CPD Services: Rako offers free dealer and installer training courses (Foundation 'Introduction to Lighting Controls' and Software course) held at their Rochester, Kent head office, as well as paid RIBA- and BIID-accredited CPDs ('Mastering Lighting Control: A Specifier's Guide') delivered in-person to specifiers and designers for approximately 45 minutes.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Rako Controls designs and manufactures smart lighting control systems, offering both wired (RAKOM CAT5) and wireless (RF Rakom) digital dimming solutions. The product portfolio includes modular RAK8 dimmer racks, DIN-rail modules, in-line RF dimmers, and a range of wired and wireless keypads. Hubs provide app control, cloud services, and integration with smart home ecosystems including Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, Sonos, and major home automation platforms (Crestron, Control4, Savant).

Product overview

Rako Controls is a UK-based manufacturer of smart lighting control systems offering both wired and wireless solutions. The product portfolio centers on the RAK8 modular dimmer platform (RAK8-MB motherboard with pluggable insert cards for trailing/leading edge dimming, 0-10V/DSI/DALI control, and motor control) complemented by DIN rail-mounted modules (DIN-4T, DIN-8S, DIN-DLI, DIN-4C) for alternative wired installations. Wireless solutions include in-line RF dimmers (RMT/RML series) and LED drivers (RLED series). Control is delivered through three keypad ranges: Modular (customizable with seven finishes and custom engraving), EOS (sleek all-metal screwless design), and Classic (traditional form factor). System integration hubs (RK-HUB wireless, WK-HUB wired) connect to cloud services enabling voice control (Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit), app control, and third-party integration with BMS/home automation systems. Programming is via Rasoft Pro software with RAMPI USB interface or NFC programming on supported devices.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bodhi Integration: Cloud-based building management platform partnership for centralized property control including lighting, climate, and audio-visual systems.

Products and services

• RAK8-MB Dimmer Motherboard 8-slot motherboard forming the base of a RAK8 dimmer array, designed for wall mounting in electrical cupboards as a single 8-channel unit or joined for multi-way stacks of up to 32 channels. Accepts pluggable insert cards for trailing edge, leading edge, 0-10V/DSI/DALI, switching and curtain/blind control.
• RAK-LINK Wired Network Interface Connection unit linking RAK8 dimmers to the wired Rakom CAT5 network, with integrated power supply capable of powering up to 32 RAKOM devices at distances up to 1000m over standard CAT5e cable.
• RK-HUB Wireless Hub Network interface for Rako wireless systems with built-in cloud services, time and advanced programming features. Enables App Control, System Programming, voice control (Alexa, Siri, Google Home), Sonos integration, timed events, holiday mode, dawn/dusk settings, and NFC programming of compatible wireless devices.
• WK-HUB Wired Hub Network interface for Rako wired systems with built-in cloud services, time and advanced programming features. Bridges wired and wireless networks and enables app control, voice assistants, third-party integration and cloud-based remote access.
• Modular Keypad Range (WK-MOD / RK-MOD) Modular push button control modules available as wired (WK-MOD) or wireless NFC (RK-MOD). Flush mounted with black buttons and seven surround finishes, with custom button engraving available.
• EOS Keypad Range (WK-EOS / RK-EOS) Sleek screwless all-metal keypad range available as wired (WK-EOS) or wireless NFC (RK-EOS). Six configurable buttons for scene, curtain/blind and audio control.
• Classic Keypad Range (WCM / RCM / RNC) Time-tested keypad range with wireless (RCM) and wireless NFC (RNC) options. Available in a wide range of finishes with screw or screwless fixing options.
• DIN Rail Module Range DIN rail-mounted modular control modules including DIN-4T (4-channel trailing edge dimmer), DIN-8S (8-channel switching), DIN-DLI (multi-room DALI controller), DIN-4C (4-channel curtain/blind controller), and DIN-LINK (power and communication unit). Provides an alternative installation method for wired Rako systems.
• In-line Wireless RF Dimmer and LED Driver Modules (RMT / RML / RLED) In-line RF wireless dimmers and LED drivers including RMT500/RMT1200 trailing edge dimmers, RML500/RML1200 leading edge dimmers, and RLED30CV4+ four-output 30W/60W LED dimmer with RGBW and tunable white configuration for retrofit installations.
• RACUB In-line Wireless Curtain/Blind Relay Module In-line RF relay module with dual relay switching for motorised curtains, screens and blinds.
• WRA-232 Bridge Network Interface Network interface for wired, wireless or combined Rako systems providing bi-directional RS232 and Ethernet interface for external control devices and integration.
• RAMPI USB Programming Interface USB programming interface for Rasoft Pro software, with NFC capability for simple programming of wireless Rako systems and NFC devices.
• Rako App (R1) Mobile application for iOS and Android (Rako R1) that controls all Rako wired and wireless systems with scene programming, colour wheel control for RGB/RGBW fittings, image import for room identification, and remote access via Hub.
• Rasoft Pro Programming Software Programming software for Windows and Mac for system configuration, addressing, scene setting and advanced programming of Rako products. Used by installers with RAMPI or Hubs.
• Rako Dealer and Installer Training Programme Free day-long Foundation and Software training courses for dealers and installers at the Rochester, Kent headquarters, plus RIBA- and BIID-accredited CPD courses for specifiers. Attendees earn three CEDIA CEU points. Dedicated training is also available for large groups.

Quantifiable outcome

• Battery life of 3 years for wireless keypads (based on 30 button presses per day)
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration19 records

AI capability6 records

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Five partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• BodhicoreTechnology or IntegrationRako has partnered with Bodhi, a cloud-based building management platform, to provide a single interface controlling Rako's wired and wireless lighting and shading systems via the Rako Hub. Bodhi integrates Rako control into hospitality, commercial, and residential environments, enabling property-wide monitoring, scheduling, and voice control (Alexa).
• Control4coreTechnology or IntegrationControl4 is listed as a system integration partner for Rako's lighting control system. Rako provides drivers for integration with Control4 home automation controllers via IP control.
• CrestroncoreTechnology or IntegrationRako offers certified drivers for both Crestron Home and Crestron Custom (via Ultamation). The Rako Extension Driver enables deep integration of Rako lighting control into Crestron home automation systems via the Rako Hub.
• SavantcoreTechnology or IntegrationSavant is listed as a system integration partner. Rako provides a downloadable profile for integrating Rako lighting control with Savant home automation systems via the Rako Hub.
• SONOScoreTechnology or IntegrationSONOS audio systems integrate with Rako's Hub for seamless combination of wired and wireless audio systems into the Rako-controlled smart home environment.

Scale indicators2 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights4 records

Broad incumbents

• Savant: US-based luxury smart-home and commercial automation provider with native lighting, climate and entertainment control. Rako integration partner; overlaps with Rako in the high-end residential segment where both compete and complement.
• Control4: US smart-home automation platform (now part of Snap One/SnapAV) offering whole-home control including lighting, AV and climate. Key Rako integration partner via dedicated driver; broader solution set and wider dealer footprint.
• Crestron Electronics: US-based global provider of premium home and commercial automation including lighting control, AV and shading. Rako's largest integration partner in luxury residential; broader portfolio and far larger scale than Rako.
• Legrand (Vantage Controls): Global electrical and digital building infrastructure group whose Vantage Controls division offers premium lighting and shading control. Comparable to Rako in dimming/scene-set, but distributed through a much larger global electrical channel.
• Signify (Philips Hue/Wiz): Global lighting giant (formerly Philips Lighting) with consumer smart-lighting brands (Hue, Wiz) and professional connected-lighting systems. Competitor at the consumer/IoT end of Rako's addressable market with massive scale.

Direct peers

• Lutron Electronics: US-headquartered global leader in residential and commercial lighting controls (Caseta, RA2, HomeWorks, Quantum). Direct competitor to Rako in dimmers, scene control and integration with Crestron/Control4, but operates at significantly larger scale.
• Loxone: Austrian smart-home automation manufacturer with proprietary lighting, shading and HVAC controls targeting installers and high-end residential. Comparable to Rako in scene-based control, channel-driven GTM and European installer base.
• Helvar: Finnish manufacturer of DALI-based lighting controls and luminaire components for commercial and architectural applications. Closely comparable to Rako in offering wired and wireless dimming systems, scene-setting and lighting-control integration.
• Lightwave: UK-based smart lighting and smart home control company with app-based dimmers, switches and integration with Alexa/Google. Closest UK head-to-head competitor to Rako in the residential smart-lighting niche.

Regional players

• Gira: German manufacturer of KNX-based smart-home and building-control systems including lighting, blinds and HVAC. Comparable in premium European residential/commercial segments but primarily serving German-speaking markets.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://rakocontrols.com/case-studies/coya-restaurant-group
• Instagraminstagram.com/rakocontrols
• Xx.com/rakocontrols

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Rako Controls