




DALI is an industry-standardized protocol for lighting control. The protocol is specified in the multi-part international standard IEC 62386, as well as in specifications written by DiiA.
DALI-2 refers to the latest version of the DALI protocol.
Compared with DALI version-1, there are many new commands and features in DALI-2. While DALI version-1 only included control gear, DALI-2 includes control devices such as application controllers and input devices (e.g. sensors), as well as bus power supplies.
DALI-2 is focused on interoperability of products from different vendors, and the DALI-2 certification program confirms compatibility of products with the relevant specifications.
TECHNICAL NOTE |
![]() |
This DiiA Technical Note entitled "DALI-2: The new version of the DALI standard" describes the key technical differences between version 1 of the DALI standard and DALI-2. Further details can be found in the standards themselves, which are available for purchase from the IEC webstore. Scroll down this page for more details on how DALI-2 deals with control devices, control gear and power supplies. |
► DALI-2 certification brings the promise of significantly improved multi-vendor interoperability compared with the current DALI (version-1) systems in the market. |
► Testing procedures for DALI-2 are much more detailed and comprehensive than for DALI version-1, and will be further improved if new issues are identified. |
► DiiA organizes regular Plugfests, which are events to allow member companies to test interoperability of their products with those from other manufacturers. |
► Plugfests also enable validation and further improvement of test sequences. |
DALI-2 certification | DALI version-1 registration | |
Includes control devices (input devices, application controllers)? | Yes | No |
Latest test sequences supplied by DiiA to members? | Yes | No |
Enhanced test sequences that are designed to ensure product interoperability? | Yes | No |
Test results verified by DiiA? | Yes | No |
All products displayed on DiiA website? | Yes | Yes |
Fee? |
Yes Requires pre-purchase of certification credits |
No |
DALI-2 includes control devices for the first time >> More on control devices and other product types
Control devices were not included in version 1 of the DALI standard, meaning it is not possible for control devices to carry the DALI version-1 logo. Only certified products can carry the DALI-2 logo.
Benefits of DALI-2 for control devices:
Improvement in DALI-2 | Benefit |
Clearer specification, including bus timing and bus power supplies | Improved interoperability |
Requirement for polarity insensitivity | Easier installation |
Bus-powered units | Less wiring |
Multiple logical units | More cost-effective products |
Extended fade time, 100 ms to 16 minutes | Increased comfort and flexibility |
Manufacturer-specific operating modes | Improved interoperability and flexibility |
Query light-source type | Easier maintenance |
The following guidance applies to systems that may contain a mixture of DALI-2 and DALI version-1 products:
First, look for the DALI or DALI 2 trademarks on products:
The table below gives some examples of different situations:
Situation | Outcome |
Using DALI-2 control gear in older systems |
|
Using DALI version-1 control gear with DALI-2 application controllers |
|
Using bus power supplies that are not DALI-2 certified |
|
Using control devices that are not DALI-2 certified |
|