Upgrading from C-Bus to Casambi: A Smarter Renovation Path for Legacy Lighting Systems

C-Bus to Casambi renovations are gaining momentum as more homeowners, designers, and integrators look to modernise outdated wired lighting systems. If you’re planning a renovation or facing a failing C-Bus setup, it’s the perfect time to consider upgrading to Casambi — the industry-leading wireless smart lighting platform.

At Afterglow Controls, we’ve helped dozens of clients across Australia make this transition seamlessly. Here’s what you need to know, including key considerations, common mistakes to avoid, and expert advice to get the most from your Casambi retrofit.

Upgrading to Casambi delivers a future-proof smart lighting solution with no rewiring required, ideal for retrofits and heritage buildings, featuring a scalable Bluetooth mesh network, intuitive app control, and seamless compatibility with DALI, D4i, phase dimming, and 0–10V systems.

Why Replace Your C-Bus System?

Once a go-to for smart homes and commercial buildings, legacy C-Bus systems are now showing their age:

• Limited flexibility for renovations

• Outdated interfaces and control logic

• Rising maintenance costs and parts availability issues

Common Mistakes When Upgrading C-Bus to Casambi

1. Treating It as a Like-for-Like Swap

C-Bus and Casambi operate on entirely different principles. Don’t try to copy C-Bus logic exactly — use this opportunity to streamline your lighting design, simplify scenes, and modernise control.

2. Overloading with Passive Devices

Here’s a crucial tip: beware of using too many battery-operated devices. These devices (like some wireless switches or sensors) are passive — they don’t contribute to the Casambi mesh network. Relying too heavily on them can weaken your wireless coverage and lead to reliability issues.

We recommend prioritising mains-powered devices wherever possible. These not only offer longer lifespan but also act as active mesh repeaters, strengthening the network throughout your space.

3. Overengineering the Control Logic

Modern systems like Casambi thrive on simplicity and user-friendliness. You don’t need to replicate every complex scene from your C-Bus system. Start simple — you can always add complexity later.

4. Ignoring DALI or D4i Opportunities

Upgrading to Casambi is the ideal time to take advantage of DALI or D4i lighting control. Casambi modules integrate easily with DALI drivers, giving you more refined dimming, tunable white support, and sensor integration — especially valuable in commercial and gallery spaces.

5. Choosing the Wrong Installer

Casambi is only as good as its setup. Choose an experienced Casambi partner like Afterglow Controls to design, commission, and support your upgrade — ensuring reliability and performance from day one.

FAQs: C-Bus to Casambi Retrofit

Can I reuse my existing C-Bus wiring?

Casambi operates wirelessly, so there’s no need for C-Bus data cabling. Standard mains wiring is all you need.

Can I keep my current light fittings?

Yes. Most luminaires can be retained — we simply retrofit them with Casambi-compatible drivers or modules.

What about switches and sensors?

Casambi supports a wide range of wireless wall switches and sensors. Just remember: mains-powered options are preferred to support a robust mesh network.

Can I control everything from my phone?

Absolutely. The Casambi app gives full control, from dimming and colour temperature to scheduling and scene creation.

Replacing your legacy C-Bus system with a modern Casambi smart lighting upgrade eliminates outdated interfaces, rising maintenance costs, and inflexible control logic—making it the smarter choice for renovations in homes and commercial buildings.

Plan Your Smart Lighting Upgrade with Confidence

Switching from C-Bus to Casambi doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right approach, it’s a chance to simplify, modernise, and enhance your lighting system — without invasive cabling or outdated tech.