0-10V is a simple analog dimming standard: a low-voltage control signal tells the driver how bright to run, from 0 volts (minimum) to 10 volts (full output).
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Signal | 0 V min to 10 V full |
| Wiring | Two extra low-voltage control wires |
| Control | Zone-based, not per-fixture |
| Type | Current sinking (standard) |
| Min level | Varies by driver, often 1 to 10% |
Strengths and limits
0-10V is inexpensive and reliable, ideal for dimming whole zones together. Its weakness is that it cannot address fixtures individually — every light on the loop dims as one.
The minimum dim level depends on the driver, so check the data sheet if you need to dim very low.
Sink vs source. Most commercial 0-10V is current-sinking. Mismatching a sourcing control with a sinking driver causes erratic dimming, so confirm both ends agree.
See the DALI Dimming Guide and the Control Protocol Comparison.