DALI Lighting Control Systems Explained

If you’ve spent time researching LED lighting, you’ve probably realised that there are several ways to dim them. While analogue dimming systems, which use a DC voltage signal to control dimming, are the traditional method, there is also digital dimming, which transforms the signal into bits. And, it's for the latter method that DALI lighting control is important.

What is a DALI Lighting Control System?

DALI is stands for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface. It is a lighting interface system that allows lighting to use a digital signal for more precise and flexible control. Using a two-way method, the system enables the user to communicate with LED drivers and ballasts, and vice versa, via a DALI controller, which is typically a computer system with software or dimming controller.

DALI is also an international standard ( IEC 62386) for lighting communication, which means that all components of a lighting system marked with the DALI logo, even from different manufacturers, can work with one another. This standard was created to ensure compatibility and interchangeability across lighting systems in the industry.

How does a DALI Lighting Control System work?

A DALI system consists of a controller connected to a network where every DALI LED driver and dimmable LED bulb is assigned a unique address so they can be operated individually. It should be noted that, the driver is the component that regulates current to an LED or group of LEDs, preventing them from overloading, and the bulb and driver together are known as a luminaire.

After a command has been issued, the control unit sends out a signal to the required addresses informing the luminaire to follow the instruction. For instance, you could tell all the lights in a certain room to turn off, and, because each luminaire recognises it belongs to that room, they will switch off. This allows the user to operate the entire lighting system from one central point with precision.

And, because DALI systems are bi-directional, they allow for each luminaire to communicate back to the controller to provide information. For example, if there was a fault with a single light, the user would be notified of the problem at the central control point.

DALI is generally used to provide lighting control over many areas across several lighting circuits. One individual network is not usually enough to cover an entire building, so lots of networks are often linked together to create a larger network that can still be controlled centrally. There are as many as 254 levels of brightness. As well as dimming and on/off functions, it is possible to use pre-set modes to change lighting patterns at scheduled times of day.

How are DALI Lighting Control Systems wired?

DALI lighting systems use a master-slave structure, where information flows from the controller and the luminaires act as slave units. The slave units carry out instructions from the control or respond to requests for information, such as checking whether the unit is functional.

The digital signals are transmitted through a two-wire control wire, or, alternatively, a bus. There is the potential to have both negatively and positively polarised wires, but the control gears tend to be free from polarity to ensure that the connection is indifferent. There isn't a need for any shielded cables, and it's perfectly possible to wire a DALI system with a standard five-wire cable.

One of the big differences to other lighting systems is that you don't need wiring groups with a DALI system, so all the wires are connected in parallel to the bus. You also don't need mechanical relays to operate lights as this information is communicated in the commands sent from the control. As a result, DALI lighting systems have very simple wiring systems that offer more flexibility than usual.

When the wiring is complete, the system can be configured alongside the software on the controller. You can create multiple scenarios and programmes for the lighting, and, because the system is made to be adaptable, you can implement them without any change to the wiring. The settings for each of the lights is highly customisable, with the ability to alter regulation ranges and fade rates.

Where are DALI Lighting Control Systems used?

DALI is both versatile and cost effective. A lighting system of this nature, that allows for precise control from a central point, is more common in large commercial settings. However, DALI is being increasingly used in residential settings for homeowners seeking the best in lighting control.

A DALI system can be retrofitted into an existing structure, but the best results are seen when they are incorporated into a new build. This is because when a brand new DALI system is wired, it is done so without the need for lighting control circuits. But when it is applied to an existing system, these control circuits are already in place, so you don't get the chance to install the much simpler and more efficient DALI wiring system.

What are the benefits of using a DALI Lighting Control System?

There are numerous benefits to using a DALI system over other lighting systems, ranging from better flexibility and programmability to superior system monitoring and a simpler installation.

Here is a quick overview of the main benefits:

Lighting can be reconfigured without needing to rewire: The function of each dimmable LED bulb can be altered without the need to rewire the circuitry. For instance, if a room was partitioned to become an office space and meeting space, you could programme the lighting to operate as two separate groups, rather than one.
Lights can be programmed to suit your needs: You can tailor your lighting programme to suit your needs or what is required in the space. For instance, if the room gets a lot of daylight, you may wish to set the lighting levels to low, or, if you only want to use a set amount of electricity, you can place a limit on the lighting level.
Different settings are possible within one system: It's possible to operate two or more light settings on the same system, which is especially useful for large commercial buildings. For instance, you could meet the lighting needs of different companies even if they share the same floor of a building by programming two separate profiles.
Installation is simpler than other systems: Thanks to DALI's five wire system and lack of extra circuit controls, it is much simpler to install than other systems, while still offering a high level of customisation. It also means any installation or maintenance work can be performed quickly with minimum downtime.
Easy custom settings can be accessed at the touch of a button: Depending on the needs of the space, a DALI system can offer simplified presets for fast and efficient switching of lighting programmes. For example, if a hall was hired out as a meeting space by day and a concert venue by night, presets for each can be created and switched between for simplicity.
Quick and accurate monitoring is possible: As there is a two way system between control and each luminaire, the most accurate and up to date information can be requested quickly. This means that you can monitor whether all lights are functional and other system issues, as well as being able to check on the energy use of each individual light.