DALI vs 0-10V dimming comparison: bidirectional vs unidirectional, addressable vs group-only, wiring topology, maximum f…
| Comparison | Option A | Option B | Winner |
|---|---|---|---|
| Communication | Bidirectional (send + receive status) | Unidirectional (send only) | DALI (feedback) |
| Addressability | Individual fixture (64 per bus) | Group only (all on wire) | DALI (per-fixture) |
| Dimming Range | 0.1% — 100% | 10% — 100% (1% with special driver) | DALI (wider range) |
| Wiring | 2-wire bus (polarity-free), max 300m | 2-wire + 0-10V pair (polarized), max 100m | DALI (simpler wiring) |
| Cost Premium | +25-40% vs non-dimming | +10-20% vs non-dimming | 0-10V (cheaper) |
| Scene Control | 16 scenes, 16 groups per fixture | External controller required | DALI (built-in) |
| Energy Monitoring | Built-in power monitoring | Not supported | DALI |
| Best For | Large commercial, smart buildings | Simple dimming, small offices | — |
0-10V for simple, cost-sensitive projects: small offices, retail, basic dimming needs. DALI for smart buildings, large commercial spaces, and any project needing per-fixture control, energy monitoring, or scene management. DALI-2 adds interoperability across manufacturers. Most Compare2Best fixtures are available in both protocols — specify at order.