WHAT IS DALI?
DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is the global standard for commercial interior lighting control, offering reliable, scalable, and maintenance-friendly operation. Each fixture receives individual addressing, enabling precise zone management and simplified maintenance.
Unlike simple analog dimming, DALI provides bidirectional communication — controllers can query fixtures for status, lamp hours, and failure information. This enables predictive maintenance and detailed energy reporting.
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
DALI EVOLUTION
DALI-1
Original standard for ballast control and basic dimming
DALI-2
Enhanced certification, improved interoperability, expanded device types
D4i
DALI-2 certified with integrated sensors, diagnostics, and energy reporting
DALI+
Wireless extensions, IoT integration, and cloud connectivity features
💡 Always specify DALI-2 or D4i for new projects to ensure future compatibility and access to advanced features.
BEST APPLICATIONS
IDEAL FOR
Stable interior environments requiring consistent, controllable illumination. Projects needing individual fixture control, energy compliance reporting, and 15+ year operational lifecycles.
KEY ADVANTAGES
LIMITATIONS TO CONSIDER
• Limited to 64 devices per line (requires multiple lines for large projects)
• Not suitable for high-speed color effects (use DMX instead)
• Slower response than DMX (1200 baud vs 250kbaud)
• Requires dedicated DALI power supply
SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE
DALI Power Supply
16V DC, 250mA max; control-only, not fixture power
Controller / Gateway
Connected to BMS/Network; receives user input and sends commands
DALI Bus
2-wire polarity-free; daisy-chain or star topology supported
Devices on Bus
Up to 64 drivers per line, plus sensors and input devices
NEED DALI EXPERTISE?
Our controls team designs, programs, and commissions DALI systems for projects of any scale.