Digital Addressable Lighting Interface, better known as DALI, is one of the most widely used protocols for professional lighting control. Yet, terms like DALI-1, DALI-2, DT6 and DT8 often cause confusion. In this article we explain what these standards mean, how they relate to each other, and which one to choose for your project.
What is DALI?
DALI is an open, standardized communication protocol used to control lighting equipment such as LED drivers, ballasts, sensors and control devices. Each DALI device has its own digital address, allowing individual control, grouping and scene creation.
Key characteristics of DALI:
Digital, two-wire bus system
Individual addressing of devices
Reliable and stable communication
Widely used in commercial and architectural lighting
DALI-1 vs DALI-2
DALI-1 was the original version of the DALI standard. While functional, it left room for interpretation by manufacturers. As a result, compatibility between devices from different brands was not always guaranteed.
DALI-2 is the improved and current standard. It introduced stricter certification and testing requirements, ensuring true interoperability between devices from different manufacturers.
Main improvements in DALI-2:
Mandatory certification and testing
Better interoperability
Standardized behavior of control devices and drivers
Support for modern LED applications
Today, DALI-2 is the recommended choice for new installations.
What are DT6 and DT8?
Within the DALI-2 system, Device Types (DT) define how a device behaves. The two most common device types for LED drivers are DT6 and DT8.
They are related, but they are not the same.
DALI-2 DT6 explained
DT6 (Device Type 6) is designed for simple, single-channel control.
Function:
Controls one output channel
Mainly used for dimming light intensity
Typical use cases:
Single-color LED lighting
Fixed white lighting
Applications where only brightness control is required
DT6 is ideal for standard LED drivers where color control is not needed.
DALI-2 DT8 explained
DT8 (Device Type 8) is designed for advanced, multi-channel lighting control using a single DALI address.
Function:
Controls multiple outputs under one DALI address
Enables color temperature and color control
DT8 supports:
Tunable white (color temperature control)
RGB, RGBW and RGB plus tunable white
Synchronized brightness and color changes
Key advantages of DT8:
One DALI address instead of multiple
Simpler wiring and commissioning
More efficient use of DALI addresses
Enables dynamic and complex lighting scenes
DT8 is the modern solution for human-centric lighting, architectural lighting and decorative applications.
DT6 vs DT8 at a glance
| Feature | DALI-2 DT6 | DALI-2 DT8 |
|---|---|---|
| Control type | Single channel | Multi-channel |
| Brightness control | Yes | Yes |
| Color temperature control | No | Yes |
| RGB / RGBW control | No | Yes |
| DALI addresses used | One per channel | One for multiple channels |
| Application complexity | Basic | Advanced |
Which DALI solution should you choose?
Choose DALI-2 DT6 if you need reliable, simple dimming of single-color or fixed white lighting.
Choose DALI-2 DT8 if your project requires tunable white, RGB or advanced lighting scenes with efficient addressing and simplified system design.
DALI and LTECH
LTECH offers a wide range of DALI-2 certified LED drivers, supporting both DT6 and DT8. With features such as flicker-free T-PWM dimming, NFC programming and advanced color control, LTECH DALI drivers are designed for modern professional lighting systems in offices, retail, hospitality and architectural projects.
Conclusion
DALI-2 is the current and recommended DALI standard. Within this system, DT6 and DT8 serve different purposes. DT6 focuses on simple dimming, while DT8 enables advanced color and intensity control with fewer addresses and greater flexibility. Understanding these differences helps you select the right DALI solution and design more efficient, future-proof lighting installations.