Using DALI Devices on a Control4 System

A Control4 system can be connected to a DALI lighting network to provide centralised control of lighting and related devices. When operating on a DALI bus, a range of DALI-2 compliant control devices can be used to extend functionality beyond luminaires, including relays, blind controllers, push buttons, and sensors.

This article outlines which zencontrol DALI devices, provided by Lumen Resources, are suitable for use on a Control4 system connected to DALI, and how they behave from a Control4 perspective.

DALI Integration with Control4

When connected to a DALI controller, Control4 communicates using standard DALI and DALI-2 commands. All devices discussed in this article:

• Operate entirely on the wired DALI bus

• Are assigned a DALI short address

• Can be included in groups and scenes

• Respond to standard DALI control and query commands

From the Control4 system’s point of view, these devices behave like any other DALI-2 compliant input, output, or sensor on the network.

Supported DALI Devices

lrr-zc-smart-relay

A DALI-2 relay device used to switch non-dimmable loads via the DALI network.

Key Characteristics

• DALI-2 relay device (IEC 62386-208)

• Provides on/off switching of connected loads

• Powered directly from the DALI bus

Control4 Behaviour

• Appears as a switchable relay on the DALI line

• Can be controlled via Control4 lighting scenes or automation logic

• Commonly used for switching lighting circuits, contactors, or auxiliary loads

lrr-zc-smart-blind

A DALI-2 blind and curtain controller for motorised shading.

Key Characteristics

• DALI-2 compliant blind controller

• Supports open, close, and stop commands

• Operates entirely on the wired DALI bus

Control4 Behaviour

• Blind movement is controlled via DALI commands issued by Control4

• Blinds can be included in lighting scenes

• Suitable where simple blind integration is required without a dedicated shading subsystem

lrr-zc-pbs-2020

A DALI-2 illuminated push button providing user input directly onto the DALI bus.

Key Characteristics

• DALI-2 input device (IEC 62386-301)

• Bus-powered

• Integrated LED indicator for user feedback

Control4 Behaviour

• Button presses are reported as standard DALI input events

• Can be configured to trigger on/off, dimming, or scene recall functions

• Typically used for local wall control in DALI installations

lrr-zc-pir-5m

A DALI-2 presence and light level sensor designed for room-scale detection.

Key Characteristics

• DALI-2 sensor device (IEC 62386-303 / 304)

• PIR motion detection with ambient light measurement

• Typical detection range of up to 5 m

• Bus-powered

Control4 Behaviour

• Presence and light level data is published onto the DALI network

• Can be used by Control4 to trigger automated lighting behaviour

• Common use cases include occupancy-based lighting and daylight-dependent control

Integration Considerations

• Commissioning: All devices must be correctly addressed and commissioned on the DALI line before Control4 configuration.

• Power Budget: Ensure the DALI power supply can support all connected devices.

• Function Mapping: Control4 interacts with these devices using standard DALI functions such as switching, scene recall, and sensor feedback.

Summary

The devices listed above integrate as standard DALI-2 control devices on a Control4 system connected to DALI. They allow Control4 to manage switching, shading, user input, and sensing using conventional DALI control methods, without requiring proprietary drivers or additional control networks.