Understanding DALI Wiring for LED Strip Lighting with Drivers or PWM Controllers (Broadcast Mode)

Understanding DALI Wiring for LED Strip Lighting with Drivers or PWM Controllers (Broadcast Mode)

Installing LED strip lighting on a DALI network can be straightforward when following the correct wiring method. Depending on the type of strip and control method, there are two standard approaches: connecting directly to a DALI driver or using a DALI PWM controller paired with a DC power supply. The diagram opposite illustrates both methods across various LED strip types.

Option 1: Direct Connection to DALI Driver (Left Side of Diagram)

In this method, each LED strip is powered directly via a DALI-compatible constant-voltage driver. This is the simplest approach for installations where space and simplicity are priorities.

  • Each DALI driver is connected to an unswitched 240V mains supply

  • A twin-core DALI cable (grey) connects the driver to the DALI bus.

  • The LED strip is connected to the driver output, with wiring colour-matched to each channel (e.g. R, G, B, W, CW/WW).

  • Compatible with DALI Tunable White, RGB, RGBW, or RGB + Tuneable White strip types.

This setup is ideal when using integrated DALI drivers that directly manage the LED load. No separate power supply is needed beyond the driver itself.

Option 2: PWM Control via 12–24V DC Power Supply (Right Side of Diagram)

Alternatively, a DALI PWM controller can be used in conjunction with a 12–24V DC constant-voltage power supply. This is especially useful for higher-output LED strips or when centralising power distribution.

  • A 12–24V DC power supply delivers low-voltage power to the PWM controller.

  • The DALI PWM controller receives control signals from the DALI bus via a standard twin-core cable.

  • The controller outputs individually regulated PWM signals to each channel of the LED strip.

  • Suitable for all DALI-compatible strip types including RGB, RGBW, and RGB + Tuneable White.

This method provides greater flexibility in installations requiring longer runs or larger strip quantities, by offloading power delivery to a dedicated supply.

Let Tunable Help

Whether you're installing a small decorative feature or a large-scale ambient lighting system, our team at Tunable is here to assist. We provide:

  • Pre-tested DALI drivers and PWM controllers.

  • Compatible LED strips in all configurations (Tunable White, RGB, RGBW, RGB+TW).

  • System design guidance and electrical planning support.

If you’re unsure about product compatibility or wiring layout, contact us—we’ll help bring your project to light with confidence and clarity.