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A quiet modern living room at dusk, with a single wall switch and a warm lamp.

Behind The Switch · Independent UK stock

Shelly smart home. Rako lighting control.

The kit that sits behind the switch. Shelly relays, plugs and sensors automate lights, heating and sockets one device at a time. Rako is professional wired and wireless lighting control, with keypads, scenes and blinds set up for each house.

Shelly or Rako: which do you need?

They do different jobs. Here is the short version.

Rako · Lighting control systems

Rako: whole-house lighting control

Wired and wireless dimmers, keypads, lighting scenes, curtains and blinds. Planned room by room and commissioned for each project by a Rako installer.

Shelly · Smart relays and sensors

Shelly: smart relays, plugs and sensors

Wi-Fi and Bluetooth devices for lights, heating, sockets, energy monitoring, leaks and motion. Relays fit behind an existing switch. Start with one device and add more room by room.

Many homes use both: Rako for lighting scenes, Shelly for heating, energy and sensors. Not sure? Ask us →

Shelly smart relays and sensors

Shop all Shelly

Rako lighting control

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Rako projects

Planning Rako for a new build or refit?

Send us a floor plan or a room list and we'll suggest wired, wireless or a mix, with a parts list you can price up. We reply by email.

Shelly and Rako guides

All guides

Shelly and Rako questions

Shelly or Rako, which do I need?

Shelly automates individual jobs around the home, including lights, heating, sockets, energy and sensors. Rako is a professional lighting control system for lighting scenes, curtains and blinds, designed and commissioned for each project. Many homes use both.

Do you install or commission Rako?

No. We supply the parts and can help put a parts list together. Your Rako installer designs and commissions the system.

Do I need a neutral wire for Shelly?

Most Shelly relays need a neutral wire in the back box. A few models are designed to work without one. Each product page lists its wiring requirements.

Do I need a hub for Shelly?

Shelly Wi-Fi devices connect straight to your home Wi-Fi, so no hub is needed. Shelly BLU devices use Bluetooth and need a Shelly gateway or a compatible Shelly device for control away from home.

Does Shelly work with Alexa, Google Home and Home Assistant?

Yes. Shelly devices work with all three, as well as the free Shelly app.

Does Rako need rewiring?

Rako wireless modules work with existing wiring, which makes them a good fit for refits. Wired Rako systems suit new builds and major renovations.

Should an electrician fit these?

We recommend a qualified electrician for anything connected to mains wiring.

How much is delivery?

We deliver to Great Britain only. Shipping is calculated at checkout from the postcode and whether the basket has Shelly items, Rako items, or both.