DALI-2 Device Types and Certification
DALI-2 certifies control gear and control devices as two separate categories under IEC 62386, then layers device type (DT) extensions on top to define specific behaviours. For specifiers, that split is what makes mixing certified drivers and sensors from different manufacturers on one line a safe design decision.
How DALI-2 Certification Is Structured
Control gear is certified under Part 102
Drivers and ballasts — the devices that actually switch or dim the load — are tested and certified against IEC 62386 Part 102 plus the relevant application extensions.
Control devices are certified under Part 103
Sensors, push-buttons and other input devices are certified separately under Part 103, so a certified switch is validated independently of the gear it will drive.
Device type extensions define specific behaviour
Each DT extension adds a defined feature set on top of the base standard — DT8 for tunable white and colour control is the one specifiers meet most often in commercial projects.
Specify certified devices, not just DALI-labelled ones
Because control gear and control devices are certified independently, a certified sensor from one manufacturer is expected to interoperate correctly with certified drivers from another on the same line.
Why the Split Matters on Site
addressable devices per line
A single DALI line addresses up to 64 devices individually, organised into as many as 16 groups with up to 16 stored scenes — enough for most floors without extra gateways.
Two-wire, polarity-insensitive bus
DALI runs control device and driver on the same two-wire bus, without regard to wiring polarity — a detail that speeds up first-fix on site.
Individual, group and broadcast addressing
The same switch can drive one fixture, a defined group, or every device on the line simultaneously, depending purely on how addressing is configured.
DT8 for tunable white and colour
DT8 extends DALI-2 to control brightness and colour temperature together, the extension behind most tunable-white commercial fit-outs today.
Gateway integration with KNX and BMS
DALI lines commonly bridge into KNX or a building management system through a gateway that mirrors DALI addresses and groups as points on the other network.
Independent certification of gear and devices
The DALI-2 test program certifies control gear and control devices separately against IEC 62386, which is what underwrites cross-manufacturer interoperability claims.
What We Supply
DALI-2 certified drivers, control devices and gateways for panel builders and integrators specifying lighting control across the EU.
- DALI-2 certified drivers and ballasts
- DALI-2 certified control devices — sensors and push-buttons
- DT8 tunable-white and colour drivers
- DALI-to-KNX and DALI-to-BMS gateways
- Engineering support for device type specification
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between control gear and control devices in DALI-2?
Control gear covers drivers and ballasts that switch or dim the load; control devices are sensors, push-buttons and other inputs. DALI-2 certifies each category independently under IEC 62386.
Why does DALI-2 certification matter when mixing manufacturers on one line?
Because control gear and control devices are tested independently, a certified sensor from one brand is expected to interoperate correctly with certified drivers from another — something DALI-1-era mixed installs couldn't guarantee.
What is DT8?
DT8 (Device Type 8) is the DALI-2 extension for tunable white and colour lighting, controlling brightness and colour temperature at the same time.
How many devices can one DALI line address?
Up to 64 individually addressable devices, grouped into as many as 16 groups, with up to 16 stored scenes per line.
How does a DALI system talk to KNX or a BMS?
Through a gateway device that maps DALI addresses and groups onto points in the other system, letting a KNX or BMS front end control the DALI line without re-addressing it.
Specifying a DALI-2 Lighting Line?
Talk to our engineers about certified drivers, control devices and gateway options before you finalise the device schedule.