DALI Lighting

What is DALI lighting?

“Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, named DALI, is a communication language. It facilitates the communication and control of multiple devices such as ballast, transformers and other lighting equipment. Devices that speak the same language can exchange information, in much the same way people can exchange information when they communicate using the same language.” - Zen Control - https://zencontrol.com/what-is-dali/

To the average Joe - DALI lighting simply means that all of the light fittings in an installation constantly talk to each other. This allows each device to be managed with greater precision and coordination across a project; for example - If you come home and start a welcome scene, each DALI light fitting will turn on to its precise instructed dimming percentage and grouping.

This gives us, as integrators, greater flexibility when programming to customise lighting arrangements post-construction. Additionally, suppose there ever needs to be any lighting added further down the line. In that case, it is as simple as accessing the nearest light fitting for cabling and inserting another driver/ballast for the new fitting to be programmed.

Pros

• Less joinery space is used for automation hardware.

• Less Automation Hardware means less cost.

• Flexibility to change lighting arrangements.

• Flicker Free dimming and LED Lighting.

• Far Less cabling infrastructure.

• 0-100% dimming quality

• Circadian Lighting function supported

• Electrical labour times reduced during critical building phases

Cons

• The price per light fitting is fractionally more expensive.

• Not as universal in the electrical trade world - some general sparkies may be unable to service.

• Not all lighting suppliers may support DALI Lighting.