# Rachio Smart Lighting Controller: Compatibility & Tech Specs

> Looking for compatibility and technical specification info for you Rachio Smart Lighting Controller?

Source: https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex

Last updated: 2026-04-21T14:11:06.929Z

## Contents

*   [Device Compatibility](#device-compatibility)
*   [Smart Home Platform Compatibility](#smart-home-platform-compatibility)
*   [Network & Connectivity](#network--connectivity)
*   [Physical Specifications](#physical-specifications)
*   [Electrical Requirements](#electrical-requirements)
*   [Dimming & Lighting Features](#dimming--lighting-features)
*   [Installation & Environment](#installation--environment)
*   [Compatibility FAQ](#compatibility-faq)

### Related Articles

*   [Getting Started with Rachio Smart Lighting Controller  
    ](https://support.rachio.com/SJfQkMSvll)
*   [Installing and Wiring the Rachio Smart Lighting Controller](https://support.rachio.com/Hkt23q5Dll)
*   [Feature Overview: Automations, Scenes, Areas & Dimming](https://support.rachio.com/ryCmUvUegx) 
*   [Troubleshooting Guide & LED Reference](https://support.rachio.com/HkzY8BAwgg)
*   [Smart Home Integrations & Connecting with Matter](https://support.rachio.com/rJ0aoGSJlx)

* * *

## Device Compatibility

  

*   **Supported Lighting Types**:
    
    *   12V–15V LED (dimmable recommended)
    *   Incandescent
    *   MR16, MR11, T5, T3 and other common landscape bulbs (must match fixture base)
    *   _Note: All bulbs on a Zone must be low-voltage and dimmable if dimming is enabled for that Zone_
*   **Zone Configuration**:
    
    *   Supports up to **3 zones**
    *   Two terminals per zone: 1 common, 1 positive voltage
    *   Maximum combined output: **200W total across all zones**
    *   No individual zone limit—but total must not exceed 200W
    *   Recommended usage: **stay within 70-80% of max wattage** for longevity
*   **Wire Compatibility**:
    
    *   Accepts **10-24 AWG** wiring
    *   Recommend thicker wire (10-16 AWG) for long runs to reduce voltage drop
*   **Bulb Mixing**:
    
    *   Mixed LED/Incandescent allowed within wattage limits
    *   Dimming requires _all bulbs in a zone to be dimmable_
*   **Manual Control**:
    
    *   Each zone features a physical on/off button
    *   "Button-up" behavior: actions trigger on button release
*   **Safety Features**:
    
    *   Over-temperature shutdown at **194°F (90°C)**
    *   Over-current protection
    *   Power recovery: resumes previous lighting state after outages

* * *

## Smart Home Platform Compatibility

  

*   **Protocol Support**:
    
    *   "Matter over Wi-Fi" (at launch)
    *   Future support for "Matter over Thread" via firmware update is planned for 2026
*   **Platform Compatibility**:
    
    *   Apple Home (Requires a certified Apple hub \[HomePod, Apple TV w/ Matter support\], or a mobile device using iOS18 or higher)
    *   Google Home (Nest Hub, Android 8.1+)
    *   Amazon Alexa (Echo 4th Gen or newer)
    *   Samsung SmartThings
    *   Home Assistant, Hubitat, IFTTT
*   **Pairing Recommendation**:
    
    1.  First onboard in the Rachio App for access to full features (Scenes, Automations, Areas, dimming)
    2.  Then add to your Matter-compatible app (optional)
*   **Matter Notes**:
    
    *   Controller provides Matter QR and numeric code for setup
    *   **Scenes, Areas, and Automations created in the Rachio app do not transfer to other apps, and vice versa**

* * *

## Network & Connectivity

  

*   **Minimum OS Requirements**:
    
    *   iOS: 16.1 or later
    *   Android: 8.1 or later
*   **Bluetooth**:
    
    *   Used for initial setup to pass Wi-Fi credentials
*   **Wi-Fi**:
    
    *   Dual-band 2.4GHz / 5GHz
    *   Supports WPA2 and WPA2/WPA3 PSK
*   **Thread**:
    
    *   Not supported at launch
    *   Will be enabled via firmware update (targeting 2026)
*   **Offline Behavior**:
    
    *   Automations are saved locally; controller will continue to operate even if cloud connection drops
    *   CR2032 battery retains timekeeping during brief outages

* * *

## Physical Specifications

  

*   **Dimensions**: 9.1” x 5.5” x 1.4”
*   **Weight**: 3 lbs 11 oz
*   **Power Cord**: 3 ft, standard 3-prong 120V plug
*   **Form Factor**: Compact design with solid-state power supply
*   **Enclosure Rating**: IP65 weather-resistant
*   **Status LEDs**:
    *   Power and zone-level indicators
    *   Wi-Fi and onboarding feedback

* * *

## Electrical Requirements

  

*   **Input Voltage**: 120V AC @ 60Hz (North America only)
*   **Output Voltage**: 12V–15V AC low-voltage lighting systems
*   **Total Power Output**: 200W max across all zones
*   No hardwiring required
*   **Not compatible with plug-in dimmers or intermediary power adapters**
*   **Power Supply**: Solid-state (no toroidal transformer)

* * *

## Dimming & Lighting Features

  

*   **Dimming Support**:
    
    *   Must use dimmable-rated bulbs in each zone
    *   Must enable dimming per zone in the app
    *   Using non-dimmable bulbs with dimming enabled may cause flickering, shorten bulb lifespan, or even damage the bulbs
*   **Calibration Required**:
    
    *   Set max/min brightness range during calibration
    *   Calibration is interactive: lights respond in real-time
*   **Default Brightness**:
    
    *   Set default on-level for each zone
    *   Scenes can override default brightness
*   **Scene Creation**:
    
    *   Customize brightness and on/off per zone
    *   Activate scenes manually or schedule them using Automations
*   **Automation Options**:
    
    *   Flexible options: you can automate Zones, Areas, or Scenes
    *   Time-based Automations to schedule events
    *   Use sunrise/sunset to trigger events, with up to 2-hour offsets
*   **Areas**:
    
    *   Group zones across one or multiple controllers
    *   Coordinate lighting across devices
*   **Real-Time Monitoring**:
    
    *   Live wattage display in app
    *   Email/push alerts for over-current, offline status, and overheating

* * *

## Installation & Environment

  

*   **Installation Types**:
    
    *   Retrofit: reuse existing wires/fixtures
    *   New install: plan total wattage, wire gauge, voltage drop
*   **Mounting Instructions**:
    
    *   Use included mounting plate with integrated bubble level
    *   Mount plate, then drop controller into place
    *   Outdoor mounting: at least a few feet above ground in flood-prone areas
*   **Environment Rating**:
    
    *   **IP65**: dust-tight, resistant to low-pressure water jets
    *   Operating temperature: Designed to auto-shutoff if internal temp exceeds 194°F (90°C)

* * *

## Compatibility FAQ

  

*   **How many controllers can I use?**
    
    *   Unlimited
*   **Does the SLC work with Thread?**
    
    *   Thread support is planned for 2026 via firmware update
*   **Can I dim my existing bulbs?**
    
    *   Only if they are **dimmable-rated** 12V–15V LED or incandescent
*   **What happens if the power goes out? D**oes the SLC remember settings after a power outage**?**
    
    *   Yes. Once power returns, SLC restores the last lighting state and resumes its automations.
*   **Is the SLC compatible with my existing lighting system?**
    
    *   Yes, if your system is 12V–15V and uses 2-wire fixtures
*   **Can I use it indoors?**
    
    *   Yes, though it’s designed for outdoor use
*   **Is this transformer heavy like others?**
    
    *   Nope! At only 3lb 11oz, it’s much lighter than traditional lighting transformers thanks to the solid-state power supply
*   **How do I monitor energy draw?**
    
    *   Real-time wattage being drawn can be viewed in the Rachio app in SLC settings
*   **What types of bulbs are compatible?**
    
    *   Compatible with 12V–15V LED and incandescent bulbs. Dimming requires all bulbs in a zone to be dimmable-rated.
*   **Can I use different types of bulbs together?**
    
    *   Yes. However the same type of bulb (LED, Dimmable LED, Incandescent) must be used within an individual zone.
*   **What type of wire should I use?**
    
    *   The SLC supports 10–24 AWG. Thicker wire (lower gauge) is recommended for longer wire runs.
*   **Is the SLC weatherproof?**
    
    *   Yes, it is IP65-rated for outdoor installation and does not require an additional enclosure.
*   **What kind of mounting hardware is included?**
    
    *   A mounting plate with integrated bubble level and mounting hardware are included for fast, accurate installation.

* * *

## **Do you still need help?**

  

We have a chat support team ready to assist you! You can submit a support request by selecting the chat icon in the bottom right of this page and a member of the support team will contact you live.

  

### **Summer Hours (April-September)**

7 am - 5 pm (MST), 7 days a week.

### **Winter Hours (October-March)**

8 am - 5 pm (MST), Monday - Saturday. We are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day.