Difference between KNX and DALI

Hi,

first of all the DALI which stands fo Digital Addressable Lighting Interface,

KNX or konnex is the intelligent building system ( so they are two comlete different systems)

But thet can be connected via a KNX- dali gateway (most manufacures make them)

DALI gateway is very simple to set up by following instructions and can be done on site at the actual gateway (even my 12 year old cousin set up one),

KNX will require traning, it can be complicated if your new, but again if you get traning it is a lot easier.

Pierre, In a building you have much more than lighs. You have security, clima, lights.

Dali is for lighting control, but it is not a full control, just partial. You can't control shutters, so in ilumination you have an important limitation.

For example, if you look for suntracer from elsner-elektronik, you will find a product that is capable of measuring how high is the sun with 5 constant ligth values in order to control the shading of 4 building sides.

DALI is for lighting dimming and switching and this limits the functionality, whereas the KNX is for the complete scenario that includes AC control, motors, security, motion and heat sensors. Sensos record information that is transmitted to the bus in the form of data telegrams. The communicatons is more complex and fool-proof that's why it more harder to learn and requires skill in designing and programming. Unlike the DALI you only to give addressing in each device.

In my opinion dali is dedicated sub-system to control lightning - especially difficult dimmable lights. Knx or different system can be master. Dali can work also as stand alone, but it is simple solution with limited functionality.