The best systems offer a range of dimming protocols, including mains trailing-edge, 0-10v, DMX and DALI, the last three offering the most flexibility. DALI has traditionally been used more in commercial environments but we’ve increasingly used DALI in residential projects. With the right light fittings it delivers smooth, trouble-free dimming down to 1%, while requiring a simpler wiring infrastructure with lower equipment costs.
If all this talk of dimming protocols is a bit intimidating, don’t worry. Properly designed and installed you need never know how your lights are being dimmed. You’ll just enjoy predictable, smooth, flicker-free dimming. If you do want to understand more about the underlying technology, we’ve produced a beginner’s guide to choosing, specifying and designing with LED lighting that covers the different dimming types.