Lightware RAP-B511-UK-K Room Automation Panel – UK, Black

Product Overview

The Lightware RAP-B511-UK-K is a wall-mount room automation panel in UK back-box format, finished in matte black, combining AV signal switching with programmable room control in a single flush-mount device. It is designed for boardrooms, executive meeting suites, and technology-forward commercial spaces where a dark wall plate finish is specified. The panel handles source selection, display control, and room automation without requiring a separate control processor, making it a cost-efficient and architecturally clean solution for UK commercial AV installations.

Product Description

The RAP-B511-UK-K mounts into a standard UK 2-gang electrical back-box and presents a matte black capacitive touch button panel. HDMI and USB-C inputs at the panel face accept presenter laptop connections, with signals processed internally and output over HDMI to a local display or over HDBaseT via RJ45 to a remote display up to 100 m away. The embedded Lightware LW3 control engine executes room automation logic directly on the device, covering source switching, display on/off commands, audio level control, and custom programmed macros. Ethernet connectivity enables integration with IP room booking systems, networked displays, and building management platforms. Power is supplied via PoE from the network infrastructure, removing the need for a separate 230V supply at the wall plate and simplifying the electrical installation scope. USB 2.0 is passed through for peripheral connectivity, and an analogue line-level audio output handles routing to room amplifiers or powered speakers. The matte black finish is specified for executive boardrooms, dark-themed meeting rooms, and AV installations where contrast against light walls creates a deliberate design statement, as well as rooms where all fittings are specified in black throughout.

Key Features

• Integrated AV Switching and Room Control — combines source switching and room automation in one wall plate, eliminating a separate rack-mounted control processor
• UK 2-Gang Back-Box Format — fits standard UK electrical back-boxes for straightforward integration alongside power sockets and light switches
• Matte Black Finish — suited to executive boardrooms and dark-specification meeting rooms
• Capacitive Touch Buttons — programmable for source selection, display control, audio, and custom automation macros
• LW3 Open Control Protocol — web-configurable without proprietary software; supports third-party driver integration
• HDMI and USB-C Inputs — covers both legacy HDMI laptops and modern USB-C devices with DisplayPort Alt Mode
• HDBaseT Output to 100 m — drives room displays up to 100 m over Cat6A on a single cable
• PoE Powered (IEEE 802.3at) — no 230V connection required at the wall plate, reducing electrical installation scope
• No Software Licensing Costs — unlike Crestron or AMX platforms, no per-room or per-device licences are required
• USB 2.0 Pass-Through — connects wall-plate USB peripherals to room devices

Typical Applications

• Executive boardrooms with dark or black interior specifications
• Corporate meeting rooms requiring integrated AV switching and room control
• Media and creative agency meeting rooms with dark wall plate specifications
• University and college boardrooms and governance rooms
• Government meeting rooms requiring control panel and AV switching consolidation
• Refurbishment of legacy rooms with separate switchers and control panels

Technical Specifications

Competitor Comparison

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between the RAP-B511-UK-K and RAP-B511-UK-W?

The RAP-B511-UK-K is finished in matte black; the RAP-B511-UK-W is finished in white. Both share identical functionality: UK 2-gang back-box format, integrated AV switching, capacitive touch buttons, HDMI and USB-C inputs, HDBaseT output, PoE power, and LW3 control. The choice is purely cosmetic based on room specification.

Does the black finish affect heat dissipation or operating temperature?

No. The matte black finish is a cosmetic surface treatment only and has no effect on thermal performance. The operating temperature range is 0°C to +40°C for both colour variants.

Can the RAP-B511-UK-K be programmed without Lightware-specific software?

Yes. The LW3 protocol is accessible via a standard web browser over the device's Ethernet connection. No proprietary programming environment needs to be installed on the programmer's laptop. Commands are also accessible via Telnet or third-party control system drivers.

What happens if the PoE switch loses power?

If the PoE switch loses power, the RAP-B511-UK-K will lose power and the display will turn off. Room automation functions will resume when power is restored. For critical environments, specifying a UPS on the network infrastructure is recommended.

Can this panel control a display over IP rather than RS-232?

Yes. The panel can send display control commands over IP using manufacturer-specific protocols or industry standards such as PJLink, provided the display or projector supports IP control. RS-232 control is also available for displays without network control.

Is the RAP-B511-UK-K suitable for listed building or heritage environments?

The panel requires a standard UK 2-gang back-box to be installed in the wall. In listed buildings or heritage environments, any structural work must comply with applicable planning and heritage regulations. The PoE power supply removes the need for a 230V circuit at the wall plate, which may reduce the electrical installation scope required.

Where can I buy the Lightware RAP-B511-UK-K?

The RAP-B511-UK-K is available from Creation Networks at creationnetworks.net, an authorised Lightware reseller for commercial AV integrators and direct procurement throughout the UK.