Answer: In its latest technical manual, the DALI organisation recommends a maximum bus length of 300 metres with a minimum conductor diameter of 1½ mm². In the past, the following maximum lengths were specified:
0-100m:0,5mm²
100-150m: 0,75mm²
150-300m: 1,5mm2
What is the maximum length of a DALI cable?
- What is the maximum length of a DALI cable?"
Answer: In its latest technical manual, the DALI organisation recommends a maximum bus length of 300 metres with a minimum conductor diameter of 1½ mm². In the past, the following maximum lengths were specified:
"
0-100m:0,5mm²
100-150m: 0,75mm²
150-300m: 1,5mm2 - Which connectors can be used for a DALI connection?"
Answer: Wieland has a number of connectors that can be used for DALI. Which one is actually used often depends on the connectors applied by a lighting manufacturer:
"Type
Code
IP value
Conductors mm²
contacts
Comments BST14i2
pastel blue
IP20
2x0,5
1+,2-
icm GST18i3 black for230V; for older applications
GST15i2
pastel blue
IP20
2x1,5
D1,D2
icm GST18i3 black for 230V; compacte connector
GST18i5
pastel blue
IP20
5x2,5
D1,D2,PE,N,L
GST15i5
pastel blue
IP20
5x1,5
D1,D2,L,PE,N
Compact connector
RST16i5
turquoise
IP69k
5x2,5
1,2,N,PE,L,
RST20i5
turquoise
IP69k
5x4
D1,D2,N,PE,L,
- Can DALI be installed together with GST18 power cables in the same cable duct?"
Answer: Yes, provided that the cable used is suitable for the highest voltage present.
According to NEN 1010, chapter 528, conductors of different circuits may be installed together if the insulation of all conductors is suitable for the highest occurring voltage. In this context, the connector type is not decisive; the voltage rating of the applied cable is.
Application Allowed Explanation GST15i2 DALI + GST18i3 (230 V) ✔ Yes H05 cable (300/500 V) GST15i2 DALI + GST18i5 (3-phase 400 V) ✔ Yes H05 cable (300/500 V) BST14i2 DALI + GST18i3 (230 V) ✔ Yes LiYY cable (300 V), suitable for 230 V BST14i2 DALI + GST18i5 (3-phase 400 V) ✖ No LiYY cable (300 V) not suitable for 400 V GST18i5 pastel blue (230 V + DALI in one H05 cable) ✔ Yes All conductors insulated for 300/500 V GST15i2® DALI
GST15i2® DALI cables are based on H05 cable types (300/500 V). This makes them suitable for shared installation with both 230 V and 400 V circuits.BST14i2® DALI
BST14i2® DALI cables use LiYY cable (300 V). These are suitable for shared installation with 230 V circuits, but not with 230/400 V circuits. Therefore, combined installation of BST14i2® alongside GST18i5® (3-phase 400 VAC) does not comply with the principle of NEN 1010 chapter 528, as the cable insulation is not rated for the highest voltage present in the system.DALI and power in one GST18i5® cable
A combined GST18i5® pastel blue H05 cable containing both DALI and power conductors is permitted. All conductors are insulated for the highest voltage occurring within the system.Attention
- Always check the cable type being used.
- H05 cables (300/500 V) are suitable for shared installation with 230/400 V systems.
- Only use the designated DALI and power connectors.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s product specifications.
Summary
GST15i2® DALI cables may be installed together with both GST18i3® (230 V) and GST18i5® (400 V) power cables.BST14i2® DALI cables with LiYY wiring may be used together with GST18i3® (230 V), but not alongside GST18i5® (400 V) power circuits.
Sources
- NEN 1010:2015 / NEN 1010:2024 – Chapter 528 (Influences between electrical systems), Chapter 521 (Types of wiring systems)
- HD 60364-5-52
- Cable harmonisation coding: H05 = 300/500 V
- Product specifications of the applied cable systems
Home Expertise FAQ's DALI & KNX What is the maximum length of a DALI cable?
