The Lutron HomeWorks Illumination system, installed in 2002 (an older-generation Lutron platform), had stopped functioning.
This legacy system is fundamentally different from modern Lutron platforms such as HomeWorks QS / QSX or the RadioRA series in terms of hardware architecture, programming tools, and integration methods.
It relies on outdated protocols and legacy programming software, and Lutron no longer supports direct integration with modern control systems in the same way.
After multiple discussions with the homeowner, and considering the need to control additional systems — including the fireplace, garage doors, vehicle gate, window shades, background music, and home theater — we decided on a practical solution:
Keep the existing Lutron panel enclosure, but replace all Lutron lighting modules with Crestron lighting modules.
1. Lighting Circuit Wiring
(All existing circuits were 100% reusable)
Lighting load wiring (Line / Load / Neutral / Ground)
Reason:
• The Lutron Illumination system uses a centralized lighting panel architecture
• Crestron DIN-rail / panel lighting systems are also centralized
• Both systems operate on:
• 120V AC standard lighting circuits
Therefore, the existing wiring could be directly transferred from the Lutron modules to the Crestron modules.
2. Keypad Wiring (Cresnet Bus)
This was initially the biggest concern when discussing the system upgrade.
After testing, we confirmed that the existing Lutron keypad wiring used 18/4 cable.
Although it was not twisted pair, the cable was fully shielded, which made it fully compatible with Crestron Cresnet communication.
Implementation Result
Without altering the original wiring infrastructure, we successfully upgraded the entire lighting system by replacing the Lutron modules with Crestron lighting modules, while installing new Crestron keypads using the Cresnet bus architecture.
All existing wiring was fully reused, minimizing construction disruption and reducing upgrade costs.
Within just one week, the entire home lighting system was seamlessly transitioned to the Crestron platform.
Control logic, scene integration, and system stability were all significantly improved.
The final result is a professional-grade lighting control system that is fast, intuitive, and fully unified under the Crestron ecosystem — efficient, stable, and cleanly executed.
After the upgrade
The entire system can now be controlled via:
• Touchscreen panels
• Smartphones
• iPads
• Local or remote access
And importantly — no annual subscription fees are required.
