Lightware RAP-B511-US Room Automation Panel

Product Overview

The Lightware RAP-B511-US is a wall-mount room automation panel in US decora (single-gang) format that combines integrated AV signal switching with programmable room control in a single flush-mount device. It is designed for commercial meeting rooms, boardrooms, and conference spaces in North American installations where decora-format wall plates are the standard electrical fitting. The RAP-B511-US eliminates the need for a separate rack-mounted control processor in single-room AV deployments, reducing installation cost, rack footprint, and ongoing system complexity.

Product Description

The RAP-B511-US mounts into a standard US single-gang electrical back-box and presents a capacitive touch button panel aligned with standard North American decora wall plate dimensions. HDMI and USB-C inputs on the panel face accept presenter laptop connections at the wall, with signals processed internally and output via HDMI to a local display or via HDBaseT over RJ45 to a remote display at distances up to 100 m over Cat6A. The embedded Lightware LW3 control engine manages all room automation logic on-device without any external processor: source selection, display power commands, audio control, and custom macros are all programmed through a standard web browser interface over Ethernet. PoE (IEEE 802.3at) powers the panel from the network switch, eliminating the need for a separate 110V or 120V supply at the wall plate and simplifying the electrical installation scope. USB 2.0 pass-through supports wall-connected peripherals. Ethernet connectivity enables integration with room booking systems, IP-controlled displays, and building management platforms used in North American commercial real estate, healthcare, and education environments. The RAP-B511-US is the correct variant for any US commercial AV project requiring a Lightware room automation panel with native decora format compatibility.

Key Features

• US Decora Single-Gang Format — fits standard North American single-gang electrical back-boxes for code-compliant installation
• Integrated AV Switching — HDMI and USB-C inputs with HDMI and HDBaseT outputs, eliminating a separate wall plate switcher
• No External Control Processor Required — embedded LW3 engine handles room automation logic on-device
• Capacitive Touch Buttons — programmable for source selection, display control, audio, and custom macros
• 4K UHD 60 Hz, HDCP 2.2 — supports full 4K content from modern presentation sources
• HDBaseT Output to 100 m — single Cat6A cable to remote displays at 4K 60 Hz
• PoE Powered (IEEE 802.3at) — no 110V supply at wall plate, powered from the network switch
• LW3 Open Protocol — no per-room software licensing; web browser configuration
• Ethernet IP Integration — connects with room booking, IP display control, and BMS platforms
• USB 2.0 Pass-Through — peripheral connectivity at the wall plate for cameras, speakerphones, and hubs

Typical Applications

• Corporate boardrooms and conference rooms in North American office buildings
• US university and college meeting rooms and seminar spaces
• Healthcare meeting suites and administrative conference rooms
• Government and federal facility meeting rooms
• Huddle rooms requiring a single wall-plate AV and control solution
• Hospitality conference and event spaces in US hotels

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What electrical back-box does the RAP-B511-US require?

The panel requires a standard US single-gang electrical back-box (also called a device box), the same back-box used for decora-format light switches and outlets throughout North America. Standard depth single-gang boxes (approximately 44mm deep) are generally sufficient. Deep single-gang boxes are preferred where the Ethernet and HDMI cabling needs more room behind the panel.

Does the RAP-B511-US comply with FCC requirements for commercial installation?

Lightware designs its products for commercial AV use and publishes compliance documentation in the product datasheet. Confirm FCC Part 15 compliance for the specific product revision with Lightware or your Creation Networks account contact prior to specification.

Can the RAP-B511-US be used in a Crestron or AMX controlled room?

Yes. The LW3 protocol is accessible over Ethernet, and third-party control drivers can be written for Crestron (SIMPL+ or SIMPL#) or AMX (NetLinx) to communicate with the panel. However, the RAP-B511-US is designed specifically so that an external processor is not required, which is its primary cost and complexity advantage over traditional AV architectures.

What PoE switch specification is required?

A PoE+ (IEEE 802.3at) switch port or injector is required. Standard PoE (802.3af, 15.4W) may be insufficient to power all panel functions reliably. Verify the switch port specification before installation. Most enterprise-grade managed switches manufactured after 2015 support 802.3at on all ports.

What is the difference between the RAP-B511-US and the RAP-B511-EU variants?

The RAP-B511-US uses the North American decora single-gang wall format. The EU variants (EU-W, EU-K, EU-S) use the continental European 86x86mm back-box format, and the UK variants (UK-W, UK-K) use the British 2-gang back-box format. Internal electronics are identical; only the physical housing differs.

Can I program the panel to control a projector via RS-232?

Yes. The RAP-B511-US includes RS-232 output for display and projector control via serial commands. Source-specific display on/off macros and input selection commands can be configured through the LW3 web interface without any proprietary programming environment.

Where can I purchase the Lightware RAP-B511-US?

The RAP-B511-US is available from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net, an authorised Lightware reseller serving commercial AV integrators and direct procurement teams in North America and internationally.