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KNX/DALI System Protocols Testing

UL Solutions’ services related to connected lighting and building control systems include accredited, third-party testing to KNX and DALI interoperability protocols.

Woman using smart home control screen

Testing the KNX/DALI system and other connected, interoperability protocols

As lighting systems, appliances, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems and other electronics become increasingly connected, interoperability protocols prove more important than ever.

UL Solutions adapted our testing services as the technologies converge and products for smart buildings and homes gain market share. In addition to electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and wireless testing such as Bluetooth®, Zigbee® and Thread®, UL Solutions has recently added capabilities to test to KNX and Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) protocols.

We test end products, components and gateways of building control systems that connect electronic devices, including lighting and appliances.

What is KNX?

KNX is a protocol standard for building control systems used for commercial and domestic building automation. It was designed to keep energy consumption of sensors and switches for wireless components low, with tight interaction – which KNX describes as “interworking” - between all components.

KNX evolved from the European Home Systems Protocol (EHS), BatiBUS, and the European Installation Bus (EIB or Instabus). It is approved by these organizations:

  • International standard (ISO/IEC 14543-3)
  • European standard (CENELEC EN 50090 and CEN EN 13321-1)
  • US standard (ANSI/ASHRAE 135)
  • China Guobiao (GB/T 20965)

Products bearing the KNX trademark must be evaluated by a KNX accredited third party test laboratory. UL Solutions offers testing to the KNX protocol.

What is DALI?

The Digital Illumination Interface Alliance (DiiA) was established in response to industry requests for an independently verified certification program covering the latest DALI protocols.

DALI-2 is an international standard for a two-way communication system that brings digital technology to lighting. DALI defines the commands that LED drivers and ballasts need to recognize in order to communicate via controllers and computers equipped with appropriate software or building management systems.

DALI specifically addresses lighting systems and their control gears (ballasts for fluorescent lamps, step-down converters for low-voltage halogen lamps and LED control gears for LED modules) and control devices (dimmers, switches and touch panels).

The DiiA has accredited UL Solutions’ laboratories to perform third-party testing to the DALI interoperability protocols. Our experts can help manufacturers test their products as rapidly and efficiently as possible at a competitive cost.

DALI-2 versus DALI version 1

The latest version of the DALI protocol, DALI-2, includes additional application controllers and input devices, such as push button switches and coupler, occupancy and light sensors. Additionally, DALI-2 can improve interoperability between multiple devices and vendors through a clearer specification, including bus timing and bus power. DALI-2 also includes polarity insensitivity, enabling easier installation, bus-powered units necessitating less wiring and multiple logical units that can help you realize more cost-effective products.

Key resources
UL

UL is DiiA-accredited expert for DALI-2 protocol testing

1.3 MB
KNX

KNX Service for Appliances, HVAC and lighting products

1.51 MB