Learn about DALI

Why choose DALI / DALI-2?

The DALI protocol allows for the compatible devices to listen for either their unique address or group addresses that the device has been added to. It’s an international standard with support from many manufactures, suppliers and installers. Using a DALI certified product ensures real interoperability and seamless integration.

Additionally, because of the large number of suppliers and third parties you are not locked into the supply of a single manufacturer. This gives the customer confidence and choice in their buildings, multiple suppliers give you greater freedom.

Built for compliance

zencontrol’s automation and simple control is built on the functions and commands from the latest versions of the DALI standard(IEC62836). Full compliance with DALI standards ensures that connected devices function as expected to ensure a consistent experience through the system life cycle.

Our products have been built for compliance with DALI(IEC62836) and DALI version 2(IEC62836 V2).

DALI compliance is not just for zencontrol systems. With a compliant device, commissioning, set up and everyday usage is more consistent and more reliable on all DALI control systems.

Overview of DALI benefits

In addition to being a cost-effective, future proof solution, using DALI has the following benefits:

Simple

DALI devices can work straight out of the box for the simplest systems.

Flexible

DALI devices can be reconfigured without having to touch the wiring.

Scalable

DALI can function on small and large systems, with subnets in a large building.

Robust

DALI works best with other DALI devices but can also be translated.

Recognised standard

DALI is a recognised, widely used standard and is therefore compatible with a large range of ballasts.

The standards

IEC 62386	Description

Part 101 ed 2	System components
Part 102 ed 2	Control gear
Part 103 ed 1	Control devices
Part 202	Self-contained emergency lighting (device type 1)
Part 207	LED modules (device type 6)
Part 209	Colour change
Part 216	Load referencing
Part 217	Thermal gear information
Part 218	Dimming curve selection
Part 219	Power measurement
Part 220	Emergency DC
Part 301	Particular requirements – Input devices – Push buttons
Part 302	Particular requirements – Input devices – Absolute input devices
Part 303	Particular requirements – Input devices – Occupancy sensor
Part 304	Particular requirements – Input devices – Light sensor
Part 305	Colour sensor (upgradeable)

Future proof solution, same cost

From the listed protocols, the only three valid methods for dimming control in commercial buildings are 1-10V, DSI and DALI. The first two are channel control protocols which control all the connected devices in the same way. The last, DALI can be used in the same way as 1-10V and DSI systems (without commissioning of the ballasts) or when commissioned as individually controllable devices with feedback.

If you are deciding between these three protocols, choosing DALI is the safest bet. Also for the savviest consumer, using DALI instead of DSI or 1-10V can be implemented for almost the exact cost of the other two systems (DALI ballasts are in some markets equal to the DSI and 1-10V counterparts).

Control method options

The choices of control methods for lighting devices are quite limited. Protocols such as KNX or BACnet still require one of the below protocols to control your lighting products. The methods can be classified into the following:

Non dimmable ballast (refereed to fixed output devices)
Phase cut dimming (this cannot be used reliability for fluorescent lighting or HID lighting)
1-10V analogue system (International lighting control standard)
DSI digital system (used only by Tridonic)
DALI (latest control standard)

Key DALI features for:

Installers & electrical contractors

Simple 5-core wiring, no special control cable, no polarity, no termination and no segregation
Removes the special wiring needed for 24 hour power
Removes the special wiring needed for emergency generator use
Removes the special wiring required for monitored emergency lighting
Easy base-building commissioning
Easy commissioning for tenancies
Integration of standard and emergency lighting
No need to switch the mains voltage (handled internally by the ballasts)

Learn more

Lighting designers and consultants

Distributed intelligence for flexible and reliable control
Control of individual lights, groups and lines
Easy configuration & reconfiguration for changing circumstances
Simple interface with building management systems
Logarithmic dimming behaviour matching the human eye
Increased energy savings
Integration of standard and emergency lighting
Supported standard; defined under an international standard allowing different manufacturers to produce compatible devices

Learn more