What are the benefits of choosing DALI for your installation?

Firstly, the choices of control methods for lighting devices are quite limited. These can be classified into the following

1. Non dimmable ballast ( refereed to fixed output devices)
2. Phase cut dimming. (This cannot be used reliability for fluorescent lighting or HID lighting)
3. 1-10V analogue system ( international lighting control standard)
4. DSI digital system (Used only by Tridonic) and
5. DALI ( latest control standard)

From the protocols above, the three methods valid for dimming control in commercial buildings are, 1-10V, DSI and DALI.  The first two are channel control protocols which control all the connected devices in the same way. The last, DALI can be used in the same way 1-10V and DSI systems ( without commissioning of the ballasts) or when commissioned as individually controllable devices with feedback.

If you are deciding between these three protocols choosing DALI is the safest bet, also for the most savvy consumer, using DALI instead of DSI or 1-10V can be implemented for almost the exact cost of the other two systems ( DALI ballasts are in some markets equal to the DSI and 1-10V counterparts). More so, True DALI systems provide a future proof solution should the requirements for energy consumption change. [ie, due to the reconfigurability of DALI]

Those two points aside, the following is a simple breakdown of the benefits of DALI to everyone involved, from the designer to the installer and users.

For lighting designers and consultants

• Distributed intelligence for flexible and reliable control
• Control of individual lights, groups and networks
• Easy configuration & reconfiguration for changing circumstances
• Simple interface with building management systems
• Logarithmic dimming behavior matching the human eye
• Increased energy savings
• Integration of standard and emergency lighting
• Supported standard; defined under an international standard allowing different manufactures to produce compatible devices

• Simple 5-core wiring, no special control cable, no polarity, no termination and no segregation
• Removes the special wiring needed for 24 hour power
• Removes the special wiring needed for emergency generator use
• Removes the special wiring required for monitored emergency lighting
• Easy base-building commissioning
• Easy commissioning for tenancies
• Integration of standard and emergency lighting
• No need to switch the mains voltage (handled internally by the ballasts)

• Status reporting of lamps and ballasts
• Simple modification - no need to rewire for changing tenancies
• Lower maintenance costs
• Increased energy savings due to dimming and control capabilities
• Energy consumption and maintenance reporting
• System integration can reduce Occupational Heath and Safety risks

• Customized lighting preferences
• More comfortable lighting
• Individual control
• Easy modification
• Reduced risks caused from inadequate lighting
• Increased stock sales due to well maintained lighting

Links to Some Maco DALI Lighting products

• Razor 16M DALI Exit sign  
• Razor 24M LED DALI Exit sign
• Razor 32M LED DALI Exit sign