What is DALI?

Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, named DALI, is a dedicated protocol for digital lighting control that enables the easy installation of robust, scalable and flexible lighting networks and a communication language. It facilitates the communication and therefore control of multiple devices such as ballast and lighting equipment.

DALI emergency

The DALI emergency standard allows for emergency devices to run two

key emergency tests as well as feeding back many other pieces of

important information.

The duration test

A duration test will test the LED,PCB and battery periodically (either

initiated from the attached control system or through a calendar inside

the emergency device itself). This test can give feedback on the fixture’s current battery status, lamp status and if the device discharged for the

required time before the battery was exhausted.

The function test

A function test gives quick feedback and will shows on the DALI control planet on the current status of the fixture , battery and lamp. This

test can be initiated via the attached control system or through the

emergency calendar inside the emergency device.

DALI emergency requirements

The minimum requirements for DALI emergency control is almost the same

as those of normal DALI devices, it can be summarised to the following

items:

• DALI power supply
• DALI emergency device
• Control system that can communicate with DALI emergency devices.

Why DALI emergency

DALI emergency is an open standard defined under EN62386. This

standard ensures that all DALI compatible emergency control systems

maintain synchronization and that the technology is available to

multiple equipment manufacturers. This in turn delivers more choice to

the end user and makes the equipment has more competition function.

Another benefit to using DALI emergency is that when used in

conjunction with standard DALI devices it reduces wiring. Moreover, the amalgamation of two independent control systems (emergency and normal) into a single control system decreases installation and maintenance costs, and the ability to monitor emergency lighting and normal lighting in one step can lead to a safer lighting solution.

In summary DALI emergency offers the following benefits:

• Open source highly supported technology
• Choice of supplier
• Reduced wiring
• Reduced number of control systems
• Reduced training and maintenance costs
• Safer lighting solution