# Rachio Smart Lighting Controller: Compatibility & Tech Specs

Last Update: Apr 21 2026 10:11am • Est. Read Time: 4 MIN

## Contents
- [Device Compatibility](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#device-compatibility)
- [Smart Home Platform Compatibility](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#smart-home-platform-compatibility)
- [Network & Connectivity](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#network--connectivity)
- [Physical Specifications](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#physical-specifications)
- [Electrical Requirements](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#electrical-requirements)
- [Dimming & Lighting Features](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#dimming--lighting-features)
- [Installation & Environment](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#installation--environment)
- [Compatibility FAQ](https://support.rachio.com/en_us/rachio-smart-lighting-controller-compatibility-tech-specs-H1zpWbBDex#compatibility-faq)

## 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? Does 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.