Daliant Lighting Blog

DALI vs Traditional Wiring for New Construction Homes

Cost & Wiring: Traditional wiring (Romex 14/2) is cheaper per foot but requires multiple runs from the panel to switches and fixtures. DALI wiring allows daisy-chaining up to 64 fixtures, minimizing runs and often requiring fewer breakers.

Switches vs Keypads: Traditional homes need multiple switches and dimmers. DALI systems replace these with configurable low-voltage keypads, reducing wall clutter and allowing scenes, schedules, and automation.

Scheduling & Control: Smart dimmers or timers must be added to traditional systems for schedules, increasing complexity and cost. DALI allows built-in automation for things like exterior lights at sunset, wake-up lights, and goodnight scenes—simplified and centralized.

Energy Savings: Both systems offer dimming to reduce power use, but DALI enhances savings with automated control. For example, exhaust fans can be auto-off after a set time, something often left on in traditional setups.

Health & Well-Being: DALI supports circadian rhythm lighting—lights that automatically adjust brightness and temperature throughout the day for better sleep, focus, and overall wellness.

Conclusion: While upfront wiring and keypad costs may be higher, DALI delivers superior value with fewer wires, greater flexibility, and smarter control—especially for new construction.