DALI Dimming: 7 Frequently Asked Questions for Smart Lighting

DALI dimming is a special lighting control protocol, with overall dimming, group dimming, address dimming, multi-scene mode settings, with simple and reliable, excellent functions, flexible expansion, and other characteristics. When replacing a new device, this new DALI device automatically obtains the address of the original old device. If two or more devices are replaced, the new device will get any of the free addresses. Therefore, when the device is installed, there will be no duplicate address during debugging.

Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about DALI dimming.

Q: What are the characteristics of the DALI dimming system?
A: DALI is a special lighting control protocol, with overall dimming, group dimming, addressing dimming, multi-scene mode settings, with simple and reliable, excellent functions, flexible expansion, and other characteristics.

Q: What are the requirements for lamps or light sources when using the DALI dimming system?
A: Each lamp in the DALI system can have an independent address. Therefore, the lamps are upgraded from ordinary lamps to “smart lamps”. In fact, there are no requirements for the light source and the lamp itself in the system. However, the requirements for power suppliers are products that comply with the DALI standard protocol, and the address of the lamps and lanterns is reflected by them. In addition to power suppliers, other components (such as sensors) in the DALI system must also comply with the DALI standard, thus forming a complete DALI lighting control system.

Q: How many lamps can the DALI dimming system bring?
A: A standard DALI system can take up to 64 components with independent addresses. The maximum current provided by the DALI system is 250mA, which is a limitation of the DALI system. If a control element conforming to the DALI protocol is used, the size of the system must meet 64 points or a total current of 250 mA. When the system includes both ballasts and control elements, ensure that the system meets these restrictions. If a DALI system exceeds 64 points or the system current is greater than 250mA, the signal will be attenuated and distorted, causing system errors, some components may not be able to communicate, and the system is unstable.

DALI Dimming Solutions

Q: How does the DALI system increase the number of lamps?
A: It can only be realized by using a DALI control system with extended functions. That is to say, it can only be realized by adding a DALI controller. Replace the system that can connect multiple DALI controllers.

Q: Can the DALI dimming power supply light up without a signal?
A: Yes. All DALI dimming drivers are connected to the power supply as soon as the default parameters are set. They do not need to be connected to the DALI signal line. They can be fully illuminated and can be used as ordinary power supplies.

Q: How to choose the address when replacing DALI equipment?
A: After the DALI dimming control system runs for some time, some DALI equipment failures may need to be replaced.

1. If only one DALI device is to be replaced.
DALI equipment has no parameters such as address, grouping, and scene when it leaves the factory. The old DALI equipment can be simply replaced with a new one so that the system can be simply addressed. This new DALI device automatically obtains the address of the original old device. However, grouping and scenarios need to be reprogrammed. It is best to save the specific values (grouping and scenarios) of the system after initial commissioning, and the parameters of the new equipment should be the same as those during initial commissioning.

2. If two or more DALI devices need to be replaced.
If two or more devices are replaced, the new device will get any of the free addresses. The device needs to be assigned a specific short address (same as the old one), and each device needs to be replaced individually.
We recommend that you restore the new device to its factory settings before installing and replacing the new device, that is, delete the address and all set parameters. Therefore, when the device is installed, there will be no duplicate address during debugging.

Q: What are the requirements for the length of the control line in the DALI dimming system?
A: The length of the line should meet the requirements of the voltage drop. The maximum value of the voltage drop in the DALI system is 2V. Correspondingly, the distance between the two furthest components in the system is 300m. Normally, when there is no data communication, the common control line in the DALI system is 16V, and the voltage is supplied by the DALI internal power supply.

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