DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a widely used lighting control protocol that enables intelligent, flexible lighting management. Over the years, DALI-2 has been introduced as an enhanced version of the original DALI-1 standard. Below is an overview of the main differences and important notes before use.
1. Improved Electrical Specifications & Stability
DALI-2 includes more accurate definitions of electrical tolerances and a reorganized technical specification. This results in:
- Reduced risk of communication errors
- More stable performance
- Higher data accuracy across the system
These improvements make DALI-2 systems more reliable, especially in large or complex lighting installations.
2. New Commands & Extended Features
DALI-2 introduces 14 new commands/features while removing one outdated command. One of the most significant enhancements is the extended fade time:
- Adjustable from 0.1 seconds up to 16 minutes
This allows smoother, more precise lighting transitions—useful for architectural lighting, theatres, and environments where gradual dimming enhances user experience.
3. Better Interoperability Between Devices
DALI-2 refines communication rules between:
- Application controllers
- Input devices
- Control gear
With stricter compliance requirements, devices from different manufacturers can now work together more reliably on the same DALI bus. This makes system design more flexible and reduces integration issues.
4. Mandatory Certification for DALI-2 Products
All DALI-2 devices must be fully certified by the DiiA Association. Only after certification can a product use the official DALI-2 trademark. This ensures:
- Consistent performance
- Verified interoperability
- Higher quality control across brands
Compatibility Between DALI-1 and DALI-2
DALI-1 and DALI-2 devices can be used together, but with some limitations:
Configuration Compatibility
Overall, backward compatibility is well maintained, but new DALI-2 features are only available when both controller and control gear support the DALI-2 standard.
Precautions Before Use
Before deploying a DALI-2 system, consider the following:
- Ensure all DALI-2 components (controller, sensors, switch panels, control gear) are certified.
- Verify cable layout and bus wiring comply with DALI-2 guidelines for maximum distance and polarity.
- When mixing DALI-1 and DALI-2 devices, confirm feature expectations to avoid confusion—DALI-1 devices cannot use new DALI-2 commands.
- Check that your application controller supports the required input devices and extended command sets.
If you need help selecting DALI-1 or DALI-2 products, feel free to contact our team at contact@wellforces.co.nz. We provide professional technical support and a wide range of certified lighting control solutions.
