DALI vs 0-10V vs PWM: Which Dimming Tech Should You Pick?
Planning dimmable lighting but not sure whether to go with 0-10V, PWM, or DALI? Each technology has its place — from a simple analog signal to a fully digital, addressable system. Here's an honest, jargon-free comparison to help you pick the right fit for your project.
How to pick the right dimming technology
Size up your project
One room with a handful of fixtures, or several rooms with dozens of points? Smaller setups often only need a simple solution.
Understand how each one controls light
0-10V is an analog voltage signal for one group at a time, PWM directly modulates LED current (often used in Arduino/ESP projects), and DALI is a digital protocol with an address for every device.
Think about addressing and feedback
If you want to control every fixture individually and know its status, DALI gives you that — 0-10V and PWM signals carry no device identity.
Weigh effort against benefit
0-10V and PWM are simpler to install, while DALI needs its own two-wire bus and a configuration step, but rewards you with precise, expandable control.
Three technologies, in short
On a single DALI line, each with its own address
A DALI line can hold up to 64 individually addressable devices, grouped into up to 16 groups, with up to 16 stored scenes — DALI's main edge over 0-10V or PWM.
0-10V — a simple analog signal
0-10V is an analog voltage signal that controls one group at a time — no individual device identity or status feedback.
PWM — direct LED current modulation
PWM is typically used for direct LED current modulation in small-scale projects, for example with an Arduino or ESP controller.
DALI — digital and addressable
DALI is an international standard (IEC 62386) — a two-wire bus where every device has its own address and can report its own status back.
Addressing: individual, group, or broadcast
On a DALI system, the same switch can control one device, several, or all of them depending on configuration — 0-10V and PWM can't offer that flexibility.
DALI-2 and DT8 extend what's possible
DALI-2's certification program guarantees compatibility across manufacturers, while the DT8 extension controls brightness and color temperature at the same time.
What smarteg.lv offers to help you choose
Whichever you pick — 0-10V, PWM, or DALI
- Free consultation on which tech fits your project
- 0-10V and PWM components for small projects
- DALI-2 certified drivers and control devices
- Help with addressing and scene configuration
- Partner network for larger installations
Frequently asked questions
Can I connect a 0-10V dimmer directly to a DALI driver?
No — they're different control principles. 0-10V is an analog voltage signal, DALI is a digital protocol with addresses, so you need a driver built for the standard you're using.
Why is PWM fine for small DIY projects but not a whole house?
PWM is typically used for direct LED current modulation in small-scale projects, like Arduino or ESP builds — it lacks the device addressing and status feedback a larger system needs.
Is DALI harder to install than 0-10V?
DALI needs its own two-wire bus and a configuration step — every device gets an address, and you build groups or scenes. 0-10V is simpler but offers no individual control.
Can DALI integrate with KNX or another system?
Yes, DALI systems are often connected to KNX or a BMS through a gateway device that mirrors DALI addresses and groups as points in the other system.
Which technology should I pick for a small DIY project?
If one group without individual addressing is enough, 0-10V is the simplest option. For small-scale LED projects with Arduino/ESP, PWM works well. If you want to address every fixture individually and see its status, go with DALI.
Not sure which technology fits your project?
Get in touch or browse the shop — we'll help you choose between 0-10V, PWM, and DALI based on the scale of your project.