Frequently-asked questions (FAQs)

DALI-2 is the latest version of the DALI lighting-control protocol. DALI-2 includes many new commands and features, and has a focus on multi-vendor product interoperability. Also, for the first time, DALI-2 includes control devices (application controllers and input devices such as sensors), which were not part of DALI version-1. Our website (www.dali2.org/dali/comparison.html) has more information on DALI version-1 and DALI-2.

"DALI-8" does not exist. The only versions are DALI-2 and its predecessor, DALI version-1. The term “DALI-8” is a mistaken reference to “DALI device type 8” or "DALI DT8" which relates to control gear with colour control, as specified in Part 209 of IEC 62386.

Yes, DiiA provides training to member companies, for an additional fee. Subject areas can be tailored to a member’s specific needs. Please contact DiiA for more details.

Yes, DiiA has already organized several interoperability test events or Plugfests for members. These events are used primarily to check and improve test sequences, but in future will also allow members to check the interoperability of their products with those of other companies.

The DALI-2 logo can only be used by DiiA members on their products that have successfully completed the DALI-2 certification process. All DALI-2 certified products are listed in the Product Database on the DiiA website. In addition, Community members of DiiA have certain rights to use the DALI-2 logo on luminaires that contain DALI-2 certified devices, in accordance with the DiiA Trademark Guidelines.

Yes, DiiA supports luminaire manufacturers that do not certify products themselves but use certified DALI-2 components in their luminaire products. DiiA grants these companies a license to use its trademarks in accordance with the DiiA Trademark Guidelines. Luminaire makers can apply for Community registration; there is no registration fee or license fee.

Yes, all DiiA members must pay a certification fee for each product certified. Payment is made in advance by purchase of certification credits. This is separate from any testing costs, which the member company must pay independently. The certification fee helps to meet the costs incurred by DiiA, including: Technical support for certification; Developing and improving test-sequence software; Verification of test results; Maintaining the online submission system and product database, and building new functionality; Carrying out market surveillance to protect the value of DiiA and DALI branding.

The DALI-2 certification program is based on the latest version of the DALI protocol, and involves verification of test results by DiiA. In contrast, DALI version-1 compliance testing is based on self-declaration without verification of results. As well as covering many different product types, including control devices (e.g. input devices and application controllers), DALI-2 certification offers the promise of improved interoperability of products from different manufacturers.

No, the certification fee is a one-off cost per product. Once a product has been certified, it remains certified for as long as the company remains a member of DiiA.

DiiA does not issue test reports or product certification documents. Instead, every DALI-2 certified product is listed on the public search page: (www.dali2.org/products). This page can be used to check the status of DALI-2 certification: Products not appearing in the list are not DALI-2 certified. The same applies to DALI version-1 registration.

The cost varies according to circumstances. DALI-2 certification is open only to Regular or Associate members of DiiA, with an annual fee of EUR 15,000 or EUR 5,000, respectively. Each certified product requires the use of one certification credit, purchased in advance. This is a one-time fee (it is not an annual charge). Many companies decide to purchase Probit hardware and other equipment for testing, but this is not mandatory. Some companies pay for the services of a test house. However, the test-sequence software is supplied free to members.

DiiA is an international organization, and is open to all members of the global lighting community. Our alliance’s administration (IEEE-ISTO) is located in the USA, but we have members in all regions.

DiiA holds regular telephone conferences for the different committees and work groups, namely the Board of Directors, the Technical & Certification Work Group (T&C WG) and the Promotion Work Group (PWG). The T&C WG hosts face-to-face meetings and “Plugfest” events. Only Regular members can participate in Work Groups. All members – Regular and Associate – can attend General Assembly meetings.

DiiA drives the DALI-2 certification program, and develops and maintains DALI-2 Test Procedures for the different Parts of the IEC 62386 standard. In addition, DiiA develops new specifications for new features and functions. IEC is responsible for authoring, reviewing and editing the various parts of IEC 62386. Lighting experts from different countries contribute to this IEC working group. Anyone wishing to participate should contact their national IEC committee.

The name “DALI Alliance” clearly explains the core purpose of our organization; to support market adoption of DALI lighting-control technologies, systems and products. DiiA still exists as the legal name of the organization.

No. Control devices, including input devices (e.g. occupancy sensors, push buttons etc) and application controllers were not included in version 1 of the DALI standard. Therefore, it is not possible to use the DALI version-1 logo on these products. But DALI-2 certification of these product types is now available.

Yes, it is no longer possible to register DALI version-1 control gear on the DALI Alliance website. See www.dali-alliance.org/testing/dali-version-1.html.

Yes, all DALI version-1 registered products will remain visible in the Product Database (www.dali-alliance.org/products). Also, DALI Trademark use continues to be allowed for all registered products, according to the DALI Alliance "Trademark Guidelines" document.