DALI design - limits
DALI bus length
The maximum distance between the last device and the Vertex controller is 300 m.
Vertex has three DALI ports, and each port supports two inputs. To extend the total line length, place the Vertex in the middle of the device line. This setup allows you to double the distance - up to 600 m between the two farthest devices.
DALI address limit
You can connect up to 64 DALI-2 luminaires (driver addresses) per bus.
We recommend connecting no more than 55 to allow room for future changes.
You can also connect up to 15 DALI-2 control devices (sensor and panel addresses) per bus.
The DALI standard states that up to 64 control devices can be connected, but we recommend not exceeding the limit of 15 to avoid bus traffic issues.
The rules above apply to Vertex 3 and Vertex 4. If you are using an older version (Vertex 2), refer to its specific limitations and documentation: (Classic) DALI design - limits | Number of sensors and panels on one bus
Vertex has three DALI ports, which means the maximum number of connected devices is multiplied by three.
Typically, one DALI device uses one address. However, some luminaires may use multiple addresses. Other devices, such as relay units, can use four or even eight addresses.
To determine the exact number of DALI addresses a device uses, refer to its datasheet.
You can mix standard luminaires and emergency lighting on the same DALI bus!
Maximum DALI bus current limit
Each DALI bus has a maximum continuous current limit that must not be exceeded.
Example:
A project includes 50 luminaires and 15 sensors on one bus. For Vertex 4, the permissible current per port is 230 mA.
Each luminaire consumes max 2 mA
Each sensor consumes about 8 mA
Total current consumption:
(50 × 2 mA) + (15 × 8 mA) = 220 mA
Since the total is below the 230 mA limit, the setup is within the allowable range.
DALI bus topology rules
Looping the DALI bus is not allowed and will cause system failure.
Use only permitted topologies: line, tree, or star. Avoid any bus configurations that create a loop.
Installation design
When preparing the system design, start by creating an overview.
Prepare a simple schematic or a device list for each area or room.
Use design limits to plan device distribution across each port. Grouping nearby rooms on the same bus simplifies installation.
Distribute devices evenly across all three DALI buses. Avoid connecting all devices to a single bus.
For each controller, create a list of all connected devices: luminaires, emergency lighting, sensors, and panels.
Apply a consistent naming system to all devices. (We recommend using the format shown below.)
Example: V1 / 1 / L1 | ||
V1 - Vertex number - important when there is more than one Vertex on site | 1, 2, 3 - bus number (remember that one Vertex has 3 DALI ports) | L1, E1, S1… - device identifier and number (eg. L - luminaire, E - emergency, S - sensor, P - panel) |