The Casambi ecosystem supports three dimming interfaces — DALI-2, 0–10V (also called 1-10V), and PWM. Get it right and your install is clean, reliable, and future-proof. Get it wrong and you're retrofitting drivers mid-project. Here's what you need to know.

Start with the luminaire, not the driver

Before you choose a driver, find out what dimming interface your luminaires support. This is the single biggest mistake made during specification — selecting a Casambi driver first, then discovering the fixtures don't speak the same language.

Most high-quality commercial luminaires today support DALI-2. Mid-range and residential fixtures often use 0–10V. Architectural strip and pixel-addressable lighting typically uses PWM. If the fixture datasheet doesn't clearly state its dimming interface, ask your luminaire supplier before proceeding.

DALI-2: The professional standard

DALI (Digital Addressable Lighting Interface) is a two-wire digital control bus that allows individual addressing of each driver on a loop. DALI-2 is the current generation — it adds more rigorous device certification and bidirectional feedback (your control system can query each driver for fault status, lamp failure, and current level).

When to specify DALI-2

Casambi with DALI-2

Casambi DALI drivers connect to your existing DALI bus and add Bluetooth mesh control on top. You can commission each luminaire individually from the Casambi app, create scenes, set schedules, and monitor the network — all without a central control panel. The Salvador SAL-2016, 2032, and 2064 from our range support 16, 32, and 64 DALI channels respectively.

Specifier's note: DALI-2 drivers cost more per unit than 0–10V equivalents but dramatically reduce commissioning time on large projects. The ROI on labour saved typically justifies the premium for any installation above 20 luminaires.

0–10V (1-10V): Simple, cost-effective, widely compatible

The 0–10V interface uses an analogue control signal — a voltage between 0 and 10V corresponds to 0–100% light output. It's been the workhorse of commercial dimming for decades and is still extremely common in India's market.

When to specify 0–10V

Limitations to be aware of

Unlike DALI, 0–10V is a group control signal — all drivers on the same wire dim together. You can't address individual luminaires without separate control runs for each zone. There's also no feedback: if a driver fails, the control system doesn't know. For large or complex installations, this becomes a significant drawback.

PWM: For RGB, tunable white, and strip lighting

Pulse Width Modulation drivers control light output by rapidly switching the LED on and off — the ratio of on-time to off-time determines brightness. PWM is the standard interface for RGB and RGBW colour-changing luminaires, architectural strip, and any application where colour mixing is required.

When to specify PWM

PWM and camera flicker

If your installation will be photographed or filmed — restaurants, hotel lobbies, event spaces — specify PWM drivers rated at 1,000Hz or higher. Lower frequencies (typically 200–400Hz) can cause visible flicker in video footage, which is increasingly relevant as video content from Indian hospitality spaces is expected by guests and brand standards alike.

Key specs to verify before ordering

SpecificationWhat to check
Output wattageMust exceed total connected load by at least 10–20%
Input voltage220–240V AC for Indian mains; confirm for battery-backed circuits
Dimming rangeCheck minimum dim level — some drivers can't go below 10%
IP ratingIP20 for indoor, IP44 for bathrooms, IP65+ for outdoor
Form factorDIN rail vs free-mount vs luminaire-integrated
Casambi chip versionConfirm Casambi Bluetooth 5 for best mesh range and OTA support

Casambi-native vs Casambi-ready

There's an important distinction in the market. Casambi-native drivers have the Casambi chip built directly into the driver — one device, no additional hardware. Casambi-ready or Casambi-compatible fixtures require an external CBU (Casambi Bluetooth Unit) to be added. Native is cleaner and more reliable; external CBUs add cost and a potential point of failure.

All drivers stocked by CasaNode are Casambi-native unless explicitly stated. If you're sourcing drivers elsewhere, always clarify this before ordering.

The quick-reference decision tree

Do your luminaires support DALI-2?
→ Yes, and it's a commercial project with 10+ zones: specify DALI-2
→ Yes, but it's a small residential or hospitality project: either works — DALI-2 if budget allows

Do your luminaires only support 0–10V?
→ Yes: specify 0–10V Casambi drivers

Do you need colour mixing or tunable white?
→ Yes: specify PWM Casambi drivers, confirm Hz rating if filming is likely

Still not sure?

Driver selection is one of the most common questions we get during technical consultations. If you're mid-specification and not certain which driver fits your fixture and project type, get in touch — we'll review your fixture schedule and recommend the right product within one business day.