Morlights’ Project Illustrates the Benefits of DALI Over Traditional Controls

Traditional 0-10V dimming systems have long held a dominant position, often cited as the most cost-effective solution. However, a recent project by Morlights at The Elizabeth, a luxury residential high-rise in Chicago, challenges this conventional wisdom by illustrating that DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) controls not only deliver superior performance but can also be more cost-effective.

The team at Morlights undertook the lighting design for this project, incorporating DALI rather than a dimming system. The project involved 140 zones of control across three floors of common spaces, including the lobby and amenity areas.

Despite resistance from other project decision-makers who claimed that 0-10V would offer cost savings, a thorough bidding and pricing exercise revealed otherwise. A detailed side-by-side comparison of DALI and 0-10V costs demonstrated that DALI proved to be the more affordable option in the long run.

BREAKING DOWN THE COSTS

One of the key revelations of the project was the cost comparison between the two control systems. Initially, the electrical contractor presented an estimate showing DALI to be $1,000 more expensive than 0-10V. However, upon closer examination, Morlights discovered a significant discrepancy in the markups applied to the fixtures – when adjusted for consistent markups, DALI was revealed to be cheaper on a perfixture basis, with 0-10V systems costing $100 more for the entire fixture package.

Furthermore, a deeper analysis showed that the costs associated with wiring, conduit, and labor were lower for the DALI system. This is particularly significant in a city like Chicago, where all wiring must be run in conduit. The reduction in wiring complexity for DALI, compared to the numerous wires required for a 0-10V system, resulted in substantial labor and material savings.

SUPERIOR CONTROL AND PERFORMANCE

In addition to the surprise of being more cost-effective, DALI offers a range of advantages that 0-10V simply cannot match. DALI systems provide high-quality dimming capabilities with precision and consistency. Unlike 0-10V systems, where control signals can be subject to interference and inconsistent results, DALI’s digital protocol ensures reliable communication between all connected devices, allowing for smooth, flicker-free dimming.

DALI also supports bi-directional communication, which means it can transmit data back to the control system, providing real-time feedback on the status of the lighting system. This feature is especially useful in large, complex buildings where lighting maintenance can be challenging. For example, DALI allows for monitoring of system performance, enabling proactive maintenance before issues arise.

Another advantage is DALI’s scalability. The system can support up to 64 control devices on a single bus, and its flexible wiring topology simplifies installation and future modifications. This was particularly beneficial for the high-rise project, where the building’s layout and the extensive use of common spaces required a control system that could easily adapt to changes and expansions

A SHIFT IN PERCEPTION

The Morlights team (Avraham Mor, Sean Murphy, Casey Diers) encountered pushback during the early stages of the project. However, the project's final cost analysis debunked the myth that DALI systems are inherently more expensive. In fact, DALI’s ability to reduce installation complexity, wiring needs, and labor costs combined with its superior performance position it as a more cost-effective solution for largescale residential projects.

As Mor pointed out, “In North America, we care most about cost. But DALI can do amazing things and, importantly, it’s cheaper. And with LEDs being digital, DALI controls them perfectly.” This case study serves as a testament to how digital controls, like DALI, are not only advancing lighting design but also offering financial advantages for even the most budget conscious projects

A BRIGHT FUTURE FOR DALI

The success of The Elizabeth project highlights the potential for DALI systems to become a standard in the industry, especially as more lighting designers, contractors, and building owners recognize its cost-effectiveness and performance advantages. As Morlights demonstrated, DALI not only delivers high quality lighting control but does so at a price point that competes with and often undercuts traditional analog systems like 0-10V dimming. For residential high-rises and other large-scale projects, the future of lighting control is digital.

This project sets an important precedent for the industry, showing that innovative lighting solutions do not have to come with a higher price tag. By embracing DALI, designers and contractors can achieve both superior performance and cost savings, making it a win-win for all stakeholders involved.