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DALI-2 versus DALI version-1

DALI-2: The latest version of the DALI protocol

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
DALI-2: The new version of the DALI standard

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 and interoperability

► 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 vs. DALI version-1 registration

  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 for control devices

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:

  • Application controllers and Input devices defined
  • Single-masters and multi-masters allowed
  • Event priorities defined
  • Separate addressing & grouping from control gear

 

DALI-2 for control gear and bus power supplies

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

 

Mixed systems of DALI and DALI-2

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:

  • Control devices before DALI-2 are proprietary, and are not allowed to use the DALI version-1 trademarks.
  • There were no tests for bus power supplies before DALI-2, so these are not allowed to use the DALI version-1 trademarks.

The table below gives some examples of different situations:

Situation Outcome
Using DALI-2 control gear in older systems
  • No problems are expected. DALI-2 is designed for backward compatibility.
Using DALI version-1 control gear with DALI-2 application controllers
  • Check that the DALI version-1 control gear has been successfully tested
  • No problems are expected, but the DALI version-1 control gear will not have the new DALI-2 features
Using bus power supplies that are not DALI-2 certified
  • There is no certainty that these will work, because there were no tests for bus power supplies before DALI-2
Using control devices that are not DALI-2 certified
  • There are no standards and no tests for control devices before DALI-2
  • Contact the control device manufacturer for compatibility