Advantages
- Addressability. Possibility to individually control different luminaires/HF-ballasts in the same system. Max 64 addresses/system.
- Light scenes and groupings. Possible to pre-program different light scenes. Up to 16 groups of luminaires and 16 different light scenes can be created in each system.
- Ignition and extinguishing of luminaires takes place via digital commands.
- Control conductors for the digital signals have no polarity (positive/negative), which reduces the risk of incorrect connection.
- The digital control signal is not sensitive to disturbances transferred from other conductors. The control conductor can be routed together with the main voltage conductors without the risk of disturbances (note however that the control conductors should also be of a heavy current type).
- Duplex communications via the control conductors is possible. Status and any error indications from components in the system can be gathered by any connected software.
- The control signal is transferred in the same way to all luminaires independent of the control conductors’ length.
- Digital technology also allows the system to be controlled via computers.
- DALI can also be integrated with a BMS system (for example KNX).
- Multiple DALI systems can be controlled over routers connected to an Ethernet network.
Note
- Programming is carried out using wall panels, remote control units or with the help of computers and software. The use of software is recommended for all large installations.
- DALI requires the control circuit to be fed with a current. This current may be max 250 mA, which is obtained by means of an external DALI power source. A high current in the circuit results in a communications breakdown or damaged components. Consequently, it is important that a DALI-system is planned and dimensioned correctly.
- Maximum cable length for the control circuit is 300 m.
- The characteristics of the units from different manufacturers deviate slightly.