IEC 62386-302:2017

Overview

IEC 62386-302:2017 (consolidated with AMD1:2024) is part of the Digital Addressable Lighting Interface (DALI) family of standards. It specifies particular requirements for absolute input devices used in DALI lighting control systems - devices whose state is deterministic (for example, a slider position or a switch position between defined end points). The standard covers a digital bus system for controlling electronic lighting equipment (aligned with IEC 61347 requirements) and includes provisions for DC supplies.

This standard is intended to be used together with IEC 62386-103 (general requirements for input/control devices) and sits within the broader IEC 62386 series for DALI-compatible lighting control.

Key Topics and Requirements

• Scope and applicability: Defines absolute input devices that report a deterministic state to a DALI bus and interact with other IEC 62386 parts.
• Electrical and power requirements: Interface power supply and insulation rules consistent with system safety expectations.
• Transmission protocol and timing: Structure of bus messages and timing constraints to ensure reliable reporting and control.
• Method of operation / Instance model: Instance types, mapping of physical input signals to the standardized inputValue, and relation tables for signal interpretation.
• Event handling: Encoding, priority usage, event generation and bus usage for position and state events.
• Configuration parameters: Timers and filters such as SET REPORT TIMER and SET DEADTIME TIMER, event filters and manual configuration capabilities.
• Commands and messages: Standard device and instance commands including INPUT NOTIFICATION and POWER NOTIFICATION, device queries and configuration instructions.
• Error and exception handling: Manufacturer-specific errors, error value definition and instance error reporting.
• Application examples: Normative annex showing wiring/examples for single switches, rotary switches and sliders.

Practical Applications

• Design and manufacture of DALI-compatible absolute input devices (sliders, potentiometers, rotary switches, multi-position switches).
• Integration of absolute controls into building automation and smart lighting systems where deterministic input state is required.
• Firmware and system developers implementing DALI device instances, event encoding, timers and command handling.
• System integrators, lighting designers and specifiers creating reliable human interfaces for dimming, scene control or position-based inputs.
• Test labs and certification bodies verifying compliance with IEC 62386 series requirements.

Who Should Use This Standard

• Product manufacturers of input devices and lighting control gear
• Firmware and embedded systems engineers working on DALI implementations
• Lighting system integrators and installers
• Certification bodies and test laboratories
• Architects and lighting designers requiring compliance and interoperability

Related Standards

• IEC 62386-101 / -102 / -103 (general system and control device requirements)
• IEC 61347 (requirements for lamp controlgear)
• Other parts of the IEC 62386 DALI series

Keywords: IEC 62386-302:2017, DALI, digital addressable lighting interface, absolute input devices, lighting control, inputValue, report timer, deadtime timer, input notification, bus protocol.