Dimming Technologies Compared: Building Lighting Scenes with Dimming Actuators and DALI

In modern architecture, lighting has evolved from a mere tool to dispel darkness into a dynamic instrument that manages the atmosphere of a space, the user's mood, and their biological rhythm (circadian rhythm). The technical power behind this transformation lies in dimming technologies that allow for precise control of light levels. A correct DALI dimming actuator lighting scenes setup determines both the aesthetic value and the energy efficiency of a project.

The traditional on-off logic has given way to smart scenes. A restaurant's dinner mode or an office's presentation mode is only possible with advanced dimming technologies. Makel's extensive product range makes it possible to manage both traditional loads and digital lighting fixtures under a single roof.

Phase Cut Dimming: Traditional Solutions

Phase cut dimming, frequently preferred in the renovation of existing structures or projects using halogen/incandescent filament lamps, adjusts light intensity by cutting the sine wave of the mains voltage at specific points. This method can be applied over existing electrical wiring without the need for an extra control cable.

• Leading Edge (RL): Generally used for inductive loads (systems with transformers).
• Trailing Edge (RC): More suitable for LED lamps and electronic transformers. Makel Universal Dim Actuators automatically detect the load type to select the most appropriate driving mode and prevent lamp flickering.

DALI Technology: Digital and Addressable Light

The Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) is a digital protocol that has become the world standard in lighting control, allowing for two-way communication. Unlike phase dimming, every fixture in a DALI system has an address. This allows 64 different fixtures to be controlled individually over a single line. Integrated with KNX smart home systems, DALI offers error-free and precise management.

The biggest advantage of DALI is its feedback feature. When a lamp fails or a ballast malfunctions, the system reports this error directly to the center with pinpoint accuracy. This feature is revolutionary, especially in projects where maintenance costs are critical, such as large office buildings, hotels, and hospitals.

How Are Lighting Scenes Configured?

Scene management is the process of bringing multiple light sources to pre-determined levels with a single command. Thanks to DALI and KNX integration, these scenes can be designed with infinite flexibility.

• "Cinema" Scene: Main lighting drops to 0%, hidden LED strips come to 20%, and curtains close.
• "Work" Scene: Desk lighting reaches 4000K color temperature and 100% brightness to increase focus.
• "Night" Scene: When triggered by a motion sensor, corridor lights turn on at only 10%, providing guidance without straining the eyes.

DALI vs. Phase Dimming: Technical Comparison

You can examine the table below to determine the technology best suited to your project's needs:

2026 Vision: Human Centric Lighting (HCL) and DT8

Moving toward 2026, lighting technologies are focusing on managing not just brightness but also the color of light. The DALI Device Type 8 (DT8) standard makes it possible to control both brightness and color temperature (Tunable White) over a single address. This technology is the foundation of the Human Centric Lighting (HCL) concept.

The system supports vitality by increasing cortisol levels with cool white light in the morning hours, while turning to warm yellow light in the evening to support melatonin secretion and improve sleep quality. Makel KNX DALI Gateway products feature advanced timer functions that automate this biological cycle.