At 299, we are passionate about delivering lighting that’s smart, efficient, and built to perform. The best commercial lighting systems are the ones that can be controlled. That’s where the commercial lighting control systems come in. Perhaps the best known system in the industry is DALI. This digital, internationally adopted language also known as DALI lighting control system give you total control and helps reduce energy waste. DALI can be used to dim lighting in any space, whether it’s a single room office or a multi-floor commercial buildings.
Here is the rundown on what is DALI is, how it works, and why it is a brilliant choice for your next project.
What is DALI Dimming?
DALI—short for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface—is a global standard (IEC 62386) that has been around since 2002. It is an open protocol supported by all major lighting manufacturers. It enables digital dimming, individual luminaire control, lamp and ECG status feedback and emergency test and monitoring.
It is a digital system that assigns unique addresses to up to 64 fixtures or drivers in one network ( think one floor). A straightforward two-wire line handles each individual fitting with the command like dim up or switch off. It is simple, and you don't have to worry about polarity; just plug it in and it works. The magic is in the logarithmic dimming curve, delivering smooth, natural fades that match how we see light. It’s perfect for controlling light, setting the mood in offices, retail spaces, or even your living room.
DALI-2: The Major Benefit is Compatibility
With the launch of DALI-2 in 2014, DALI addressed the major issue, which was the compatibility. DALI 2 supports multiple controllers—great for sprawling projects—and welcomes extras like occupancy sensors or daylight detectors to keep things efficient. With two-way feedback (think fixtures flagging a fault), it’s a step up. Running on a 16V DC two-wire line (max 250mA), it stretches 300m with 1.5mm² cable, blending power with reliability.
DALI vs DALI-2
- DALI: Easy, affordable, and no shielding needed—perfect for smaller commercial projects like offices, cafes, restaurants, retail.
- DALI-2: Can handle large buildings with multi-controller setups and sensor smarts—ideal for forward thinking projects.
How It Works
DALI and DALI-2 send digital instructions at 1,200 bits per second through a two-wire line. Each light or driver gets its own address (0–63), set during setup and stored in the memory function. Commands are like text messages—short codes telling lights to dim to, say, 50% or switch off. The wire uses a 16V power supply capped at 250mA, with signals flipping between high and low voltage to talk. DALI-2 can check in with lights, asking “Are you okay?” and get answers like “I’m fine” or “I’ve got a problem.” The dimming follows a special curve that goes from barely on (1%) to full blast (100%), making smooth changes that are visually comfortable to human eye. It’s all powered by drivers inside the lights, tweaking brightness without flicker—smart, simple, and spot-on. See the Dali dimming wiring diagram below to understand how it is wired to our luminaires.
Project Spotlight
In our recent project 75 King William Street project—a CAT A office fit-out in London, we used DALI 2. We fitted Rio Suspended lights with DALI 2 with Simmtronic lighting controls. Sensors dimmed empty zones, cutting energy use while keeping the space modern and visually comfortable. It’s a real win for sustainability and comfort.
Why Go DALI with 299 Lighting?
We have an extensive experience in supplying luminaires that are fully compatible with DALI systems ( DALI or DALI 2), so you can rest assure that the lighting system is going to work. That means that luminaires will be supplied with drivers that are compatible. We only work with renowned manufacturers and offer a 5 years warranty.
Companies We’ve Worked With on DALI Commissioning
We’ve worked with some of the industry leaders to bring DALI solutions to life. Here’s who we’ve collaborated with to deliver smart, seamless lighting controls:
Let’s light your space the smart way. Our team’s here to set you up with DALI or DALI-2. Get in touch today.