DALI-2 (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is the improved version of the original DALI lighting protocol , used for intelligent control and management of lighting . It is an open standard (IEC 62386) and is used worldwide for energy-efficient and smart lighting systems in buildings.
Main improvements of DALI-2 compared to DALI (DALI-1)
✅ Better compatibility – DALI-2 products are more rigorously tested and are more interchangeable .
✅ Sensor and Switch Support – DALI-2 adds input devices such as motion sensors, light sensors, and push buttons.
✅ More features and reliability – New diagnostic functions and improved error detection.
✅ Standardized control units – Brightness, color temperature and scenes can be adjusted more precisely.
✅ More energy-efficient – Advanced daylight control and presence detection ensure maximum energy savings.
How does DALI-2 work?
DALI-2 is a two-wire bus system that intelligently controls luminaires, sensors, and switches in a building. Each connected device is assigned a unique address , allowing:
- Each lamp can be controlled individually .
- Lamps can be grouped (for example by room or floor).
- Scenes and dimming settings can be pre-programmed.
A DALI-2 controller controls the lighting, while input devices (sensors, switches, timers) respond automatically to environmental factors.
DALI-2 vs. Other Lighting Protocols
| Protocol | Features | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| DALI-2 | Open standard, bidirectional communication, supports sensors | Offices, schools, hospitals, industry |
| DALI-1 | Control only basic lighting | Outdated systems |
| 0-10V dimming | Analogue dimming, no individual control | Simple installations |
| DMX | Fast light control for dynamic effects | Theaters, stage lighting |
| KNX | Building management system, integrable with DALI | Smart buildings |
| Zigbee/Bluetooth | Wireless lighting, IoT compatible | Smart homes, retail |
Why choose DALI-2?
✔ Flexible & scalable – Suitable for both small and large installations.
✔ Energy-efficient – Perfect for sustainable lighting solutions with daylight control and motion detection.
✔ Smart control – Settings can be adjusted via software, without changing wiring.
✔ High compatibility – DALI-2 products from different manufacturers work together.
✔ Future-proof – Supports IoT integrations and building management systems (BMS).