Dea Ceres M

DALI DT6 vs DALI DT8: what’s the difference?

DALI—short for Digital Addressable Lighting Interface—is a global standard for intelligent lighting control. It enables luminaires to communicate digitally with a control system, offering precise dimming and scene-setting options. However, not all DALI devices behave uniformly. Each “device type” defines how the control system communicates with the luminaire. Understanding the difference between DALI DT6 and DALI DT8 helps you select the right solution for luminaires like Dea Ceres M, available in both fixed CCT and tunable white versions.

What is DALI DT6 used for?

DALI DT6 is ideal for single-channel control. It works best with fixed-colour-temperature luminaires, such as 2700K or 4000K versions of Dea Ceres M. Each output, such as a driver channel, needs its own DALI address. For instance, if a luminaire has two heads and both require independent dimming, you’ll need two DT6 addresses. This setup keeps control simple when you don’t need to adjust colour temperature.

When should you choose DALI DT8?

Use DALI DT8 when you need to control both brightness and colour temperature from a single address. It’s the standard for tunable white and colour-changing luminaires, including RGB and RGBW. In a tunable white version of Dea Ceres M, the DT8 driver manages two LED channels—warm and cool white—internally. The control system sends a single instruction, and the driver calculates how to mix the LEDs to achieve the desired CCT and intensity. This reduces wiring complexity and maintains consistency across a space.

Why does DT8 matter for circadian lighting?

DT8 works exceptionally well in projects that use human-centric or circadian lighting. Designers can create lighting profiles that transition smoothly from cool tones in the morning to warm tones in the evening. There’s no need to program multiple channels. The system takes care of everything in the background, creating a dynamic atmosphere that supports wellbeing and visual comfort. For more on circadian lighting, see the Did you know section of Dea Amor M.

Want to explore tunable white lighting?

To better understand how tunable white luminaires handle colour temperature blending, explore the Did you know section of Dea Amata M. It explains how tunable white works and what to consider when using it in architectural applications.

Which option is right for your project?

Use DT6 when you need simple dimming for fixed-colour temperature (CCT) luminaires. Choose DT8 when your lighting concept includes tunable white, dynamic scenes, or circadian control. Many Karizma Luce luminaires offer both options depending on the driver configuration. If you’re unsure which version of Dea Ceres M suits your needs, please get in touch with us—we’ll be happy to assist.