Welcome to Friday, folks. Lightapalooza just wrapped up, and while we have a list of all the major product announcements from the show up on the site, we’re here to get you Wired In with some of the products from the show that are either new to the channel or set to be given a full release later on down the line. On top of that, Legrand introduced a USB Type-C Outlet to its Adorne collection. KEF announced a sale on some of its latest speaker releases. And Blackwire partnered with eero to distribute its mesh networking routers and access points.
From the Lightapalooza Show Floor
1. Solderless Tape Lighting Connectors from Lumentruss
Source: Lumentruss
Photo by Nick Boever
Newcomer to the channel Lumentruss had an eye-catching feature at the show: a connection system for extending tape lights in the fields that requires no soldering work.
The connector works by affixing two pieces of tape light in both receptacles and then simply crimping the connector, which then provides a secure connection between the two segments.
It’s available in both straight and angled orientations, allowing for integrators to create more unique designs with the system.
2. Outdoor X Track Lights from WAC/AiSPIRE
Source: WAC Group
Photo by Nick Boever
WAC Group and AiSPIRE introduced a new set of track lights at Lightapalooza this week dubbed Outdoor X.
The system is IP66-rated and comes in static color temperatures of 2700K and 3000K with a reported 630 delivered lumens.
The fixtures are continuously adjustable with lockable beam angles between 20 and 70 degrees while the tracks can be mounted on either ceilings or walls.
3. Minimis Tack and Fleck Lights
Source: Minimis
Photo by Nick Boever
Another newcomer to the channel, Minimis brought its miniscule lighting fixtures to Lightapalooza, ranging from landscape lighting to designer-grade fixtures.
In many cases, the apertures of Minimis’s fixtures get no bigger than a standard dime with a 3000K stake-mountable flood light in the company’s Tack line being able to output 112 lumens. The outdoor fixtures are also IP65/IP67-rated with Minimis stating they are suitable for marine, arctic and desert conditions.
These fixtures were presented alongside a unique leaded crystal fixture named “Fleck,” which, while more design-focused than this channel generally focuses on, presented a unique spread of light both turned on and off due to the crystal’s design.
4. Optique Millwork Lights
Source: Optique
Photo by Nick Boever
Optique had a variety of light fixtures at the show that put a special emphasis on clean lines of light tucked away into architectural and design elements.
The one that stood out to us the most, however, was the millwork series for its ability to integrate cleanly into woodwork to achieve a variety of accent lighting styles in a variety of positions.
The flexibility of the solution affords itself to installations like under-cabinet lighting as well as stair lighting and bookshelf lighting, allowing for some striking highlights.
5. Basalte Wireless Keypads
Photo by Nick Boever
Though not available in U.S. markets yet, Basalte was teasing its forthcoming wireless keypads while at the show.
The design language sticks to the usual style integrators have come to expect from Basalte, although, rather than using a metal face for the product, the wireless solutions will be using composite material so it can facilitate wireless communication.
The metallic sheen may be lost, but the product line makes up for it by offering a variety of new color options not normally seen on the standard, metal interface.
6. Posh Closet Lighting from QTL
Photo by Nick Boever
QTL returned to the show with a newly introduced closet light that integrates the fixture directly into the hanging rod.
The result is a functional accent light that directly illuminates the clothing while spreading out to fill other parts of the closet.
Additional Product Releases This Week
7. Legrand Launches 65W USB Type-C adorne Outlet
Source: Legrand
Image courtesy of Legrand
Legrand expanded the adorne collection this week with the launch of a 65W USB Type-C Outlet with Power delivery.
The outlet delivers up to 65 watts of power per port meant to provide fast charging for laptops and other devices with a built-in charging status indicator light that changes from yellow to green when the battery is sufficiently charged.
The outlet is also available in multiple configurations based on functional need, ranging from 15A, 20A and USB-only options. It installs in a standard electrical box and pairs with more than 40 adorne Wall Plate colors and finishes across materials including glass, metal, and wood.
8. KEF Announces March Sale on Speakers and Subwoofers
Source: KEF
Q1 Metas hung on a wall. Image courtesy of KEF
KEF announced a sale on several of its speaker products starting on February 15 that will run until March 28.
The sale will cover its R5 Meta, Q1 and Q4 Meta, and Kube 15 MIE subwoofers.
The discounted pricing is as follows:
- R5 Meta – $1,499.99/each
- Q1 Meta – $399.99/pair
- Q4 Meta – $399.99/each
- KUBE 15 MIE – $1,199.99/each
9. Blackwire Now Distributing eero
Source: Blackwire Designs
Image courtesy of eero
Blackwire Designs announced a new strategic distribution agreement with eero to bring the company’s lineup of Wi-Fi systems to Blackwire’s extensive dealer network.
The partnership focuses on eero’s professional-grade hardware, including the eero Max 7, which utilizes Wi-Fi 7 technology and multi-gigabit connectivity to support high-bandwidth applications in modern smart homes.
The agreement also includes eero’s Power over Ethernet (PoE) solutions, such as the eero PoE 6 and the eero PoE Gateway, which feature centralized power management and high-speed wired ports to simplify large-scale residential and commercial installations.
Dealers can now access and order the full line of eero professional products through Blackwire.
