What are DT numbers ?
Device type (DT) numbers originate from the IEC 62386 standard. They are only used for Parts relating to control gear (Parts 2xx) – there are no DT numbers for input devices and application controllers.
DT numbers were added when it became necessary to separate the different commands required for different lamp types.
The most commonly-used DT numbers are:
| DT1 | Self-contained emergency control gear | Part 202 |
| DT6 | LED drivers | Part 207 |
| DT8 | Colour control gear | Part 209 |
Lawell's Implementation
All Lawell Dali lights come standard with DT6 drivers, except for the Nova range, with come standard with DT8 drivers. All of Lawell's lights come with manual tri-colour temperature switches for lights using DT6 drivers.
What’s the difference between DT6 and DT8?
Each device type has a specific set of features, and these are not overlapping or contradictory. DT6 has a set of features that can be used in all LED drivers, while the DT8 commands and features only relate to colour control.
An LED driver with colour control may implement both Parts 207 and 209, or it may implement Part 209 only
DT6 LED drivers use a single DALI short address to control a single output, for example to change the light-output level (following the standardized dimming curve) of a set of connected LEDs.
DT8 LED drivers can use a single DALI short address to control two or more outputs. This allows both the colour temperature and brightness of a fixture to be controlled by a single channel.
DT8 can help to reduce the number of drivers used in an application, the amount of wiring needed in the installation, and the number of DALI addresses used, which simplifies design and commissioning.