A Casambi lighting retrofit can modernize an existing lighting installation with wireless dimming, scenes, schedules, occupancy response and daylight control while preserving useful mains infrastructure. The engineering objective is not “zero electrical work.” It is to avoid a new building-wide control bus while making only the local electrical changes that a compatible driver, controller, sensor or load requires.
Quick Answer
Yes. Many existing lighting systems can be upgraded with Casambi without installing a new building-wide control bus. Existing mains wiring can often remain, while Casambi-enabled drivers or local control modules add wireless communication. However, short local connections, driver replacement, relay wiring, DALI-bus checks and permanent power for network nodes may still be required.
What “Without New Control Wiring” Actually Means
In this guide, “without new control wiring” means that a new centralized control bus does not need to be installed between every luminaire, sensor and wall station. Short local connections may still be required between a Casambi unit and a driver, DALI pair, 0-10V terminals, relay, sensor input or mains supply. This definition prevents the misleading assumption that a retrofit needs no installation work at all.
A successful Casambi lighting retrofit therefore retains what is sound—often the permanent power circuit and serviceable luminaires—while replacing or modifying only what is needed for controllability. Emergency and life-safety circuits, local electrical rules and isolation arrangements remain separate design responsibilities.
Can Existing Lighting Be Retrofitted with Casambi Without New Building-Wide Control Cabling?
What Is Usually Avoided
- New low-voltage control-bus runs between all luminaires.
- New switch-to-fixture and sensor-to-fixture control cables.
- Extensive wall cutting, ceiling reconstruction and fixed hardwired grouping.
- A new centralized control cabinet for every normal-lighting zone.
What May Still Change Locally
Local work can include a module-to-driver connection, a DALI pair, a control pair for an analog driver, relay wiring, a sensor input, junction-box work or a driver replacement. A wireless lighting retrofit is most practical where fixtures have permanent power, accessible installation space, a documented dimming interface and a radio path that can be validated after the building is complete.
Casambi Retrofit Compatibility Matrix
| Existing interface | Usually retained? | Typical method | Local wiring still required | Main checks |
| Casambi Ready driver | Yes | Pair and commission | Usually mains only | Firmware, profile, network type |
| 0-10V | Often | Compatible analog controller | Control pair; possibly relay/mains | Sink current, polarity, dim-to-off |
| 1-10V | Often | Compatible 1-10V controller | Control pair; possibly relay | Current direction, minimum output |
| DALI single/local group | Often | CBU-A2D, CBU-ASD or equivalent | Local DALI pair | Bus current, DT6/DT8, profile |
| Existing wired DALI network | Often | Salvador or CBU-DCS by direction | Existing bus retained | Direction, addresses, bus power |
| Constant-voltage PWM | Sometimes | PWM controller between PSU and load | Local DC rewiring | Voltage, current, channels, voltage drop |
| Proprietary control | Rarely | Replace driver/controller | Depends on replacement | Protocol ownership, serviceability |
| Relay-only/non-dimmable | Yes for on/off | Casambi relay controller | Local mains switching | Inrush, load type, relay rating |
Conduct a Room-by-Room Site Survey Before Selecting Hardware
Audit Electrical and Operational Conditions
Record supply voltage and frequency, panel and circuit locations, switched versus permanently energized circuits, existing zones, contactors, accessible ceiling spaces, normal and emergency circuits, maintenance access, shutdown windows and environmental ratings. Build a fixture and driver schedule with manufacturer, model, wattage, driver output, control terminals, dimming method, minimum level, fixture condition and remaining service life.
Assess the Finished Wireless Environment
Control commands travel over Casambi Mesh, Casambi’s specialized and encrypted mesh technology based on Bluetooth Low Energy. Casambi Mesh should not be confused with the standardized Bluetooth Mesh protocol. Metal luminaires, gear trays, cabinets, ductwork, concrete, masonry and long distances can weaken real-world communication. Test with luminaires closed, cabinet doors shut and ceilings complete—not only in an empty construction space.
Choose the Retrofit Architecture and Plan the Network
Fixture-Level, Group-Level and Hybrid Control
Fixture-level control supports individual addressing, flexible regrouping, occupancy response, daylight control and future layout changes. Group-level control suits compatible fixtures that truly require the same behavior; total load, inrush, dimming capacity and failure consequences must be checked. A Casambi lighting retrofit may also preserve sound sections of an existing DALI installation and add wireless controls or new zones around them.
Network Scale, Mode and Radio-Path Design
Network capacity is mode-dependent and must not be treated as a universal design quantity. Casambi states that Evolution networks can theoretically reach 250 devices; its Balanced mode is generally planned at about 125 nodes per network. Long Range is identified as Beta, is planned at about 60 nodes and requires Long Range-compatible devices throughout that network. Classic networks are limited to 127 devices. Large projects should be divided by floor, function, radio environment and response requirements rather than pushed to a nominal maximum.
Published communication distances are reference values under favorable conditions: approximately 30 m indoors and 50 m outdoors for standard products, and about 90 m indoors and 200 m outdoors for Long Range products. They are not guaranteed fixture spacing. Permanently powered luminaires and controllers should form the radio-path design; battery-powered, kinetic or intermittently active user interfaces should not be assumed to be always-on relay points unless the manufacturer explicitly confirms that role. Upstream switches or contactors that remove power from key nodes can also remove communication paths, automation and timers.
Retrofit 0-10V and 1-10V Lighting with Casambi
Do Not Treat 0-10V and 1-10V as Interchangeable by Default
Identify whether the driver supplies control current or expects the controller to supply it, then match sinking or sourcing capability, maximum control current, channel count, polarity, minimum dimming level and complete-off behavior. After multiple drivers are paralleled, their combined control current must remain below the controller rating. Confirm whether 0 V produces off or only a low output; a separate relay or mains-switching strategy may be needed when the driver cannot dim to off.
Select the Controller by Electrical Function, Not Name
Choose the controller according to sinking or sourcing capability, maximum control current, channel count, dim-to-off behavior, relay arrangement, supply voltage, enclosure rating, regional approvals and supported fixture profiles. The CBU-A2D example illustrates why terminology matters: it provides two sinking 0-10V outputs, each rated at a maximum of 7 mA. In DALI mode, channel 1 provides a 12 VDC, maximum 20 mA sourcing output; channel 2 can provide a 12 VDC, maximum 100 mA relay-control output. This is not a built-in line-voltage load relay, and DALI quantity and functionality depend on the fixture profile and current product data sheet.
The CBU-A2D is IP20 and should not be left exposed in wet, outdoor or dusty conditions. Product variants, approvals and input-voltage allowances are regional: the global listing identifies 100–240 VAC for CE/UL/CSA, with 277 VAC applicable only to UL/CSA. Verify the regional model—for example, CBU-A2D-CR for EU projects—against the current data sheet. A 0-10V lighting retrofit should then be tested for full output, low-end stability, fade quality, complete-off state, power recovery and grouped-driver consistency.
Retrofit Existing DALI Lighting with Casambi
First Identify the Direction of Control
A DALI design must distinguish three different directions of integration. For one local DALI fixture or a small local DALI segment controlled by Casambi, use a suitable local controller such as CBU-A2D, CBU-ASD or an equivalent Casambi Ready device; device quantity depends on DALI-current budgeting, fixture profile and product specification. For individually addressing existing DALI luminaires within Casambi, Salvador makes DALI luminaires appear as independent virtual luminaires in the Casambi network. For the reverse direction—where an existing DALI controller must control Casambi devices—use CBU-DCS as a DALI Gateway on the same already-powered DALI bus.
| Retrofit need | Suitable solution | Actual control direction |
| Add one DALI luminaire or local segment to Casambi | CBU-A2D, CBU-ASD or equivalent | Casambi controls local DALI drivers |
| Individually address existing DALI luminaires in Casambi | Salvador DALI Controller | DALI luminaires become Casambi virtual luminaires |
| Let existing DALI control manage Casambi devices | CBU-DCS DALI Gateway | Existing DALI controller sees Casambi devices as DALI gear |
| Keep wired DALI and wireless zones | Hybrid architecture | Select device by the required control direction |
Apply Salvador and CBU-DCS Limits Correctly
Salvador Series 1000, 2000 and 4000 can manage up to 64 DALI drivers, while Series 3000 can manage up to 16. Bus power and regional supply arrangements differ by Salvador model, so “use Salvador” is not a complete specification. CBU-DCS is not a general controller for importing a whole DALI installation into Casambi; it presents independently controllable Casambi devices to a retained DALI controller. Each independently controlled Casambi device occupies one DALI address and is subject to the DALI limit of 64 addresses. A Casambi DALI retrofit must document bus power, addresses, DT6 or DT8 needs, fixture profiles and retained controller functions before modification.
Never connect a standalone DALI output to an externally powered building-wide DALI bus without a verified topology. Test discovery, addressing, individual and group control, low and high dimming, DT8 functions where relevant, power recovery and interaction with retained DALI equipment. This is the point at which a Casambi DALI retrofit becomes a verified architecture rather than a product substitution.
Retrofit PWM and Constant-Voltage LED Loads
Record power-supply output voltage, total wattage and current, channel count, LED-strip topology, cable lengths, voltage drop and the required single-colour, tunable-white, RGB or RGBW functions. A PWM controller normally sits between the constant-voltage power supply and the load. Retain a supply only when voltage, capacity, thermal condition, stability and protection are proven. Check the current product status: do not specify an older CBU-PWM4 as a universal default, because lifecycle status, current limits, minimum loads and approvals differ by region and newer Long Range versions.
Any product schedule should state region, input voltage, output type, maximum current, relay arrangement, IP rating, fixture profile, product status and data-sheet revision date. A 0-10V lighting retrofit and a PWM retrofit both require load testing, but their control outputs, wiring and failure modes are not the same.
Upgrade Switches, Sensors and Remote Access Without Rewiring
Local Operation, Sharing and Remote Access Are Different Functions
Daily local Casambi control does not need an internet connection, a central router or a Cloud Gateway. Remote control, remote diagnostics and continuous data upload require a Cloud Gateway, or a continuously powered and internet-connected phone or tablet operating within Casambi Bluetooth range as a temporary gateway. A network intended for gateway remote access must be Administrator Only or Password Protected; Open and Not Shared networks cannot be used for that purpose. A Cloud Gateway is not an ordinary mesh forwarding node, but it still needs installation within wireless coverage of Casambi devices.
Keep Existing User Interfaces Where They Remain Suitable
Wireless wall controls can avoid cutting walls, while retained push buttons may connect through a compatible input device after contact type, number of inputs, cable condition and press functions are checked. Define priorities among wall controls, sensors, timers, scenes, app control and building-management integrations. Record occupancy detection area, mounting height, sensitivity, hold time, fade time, daylight setpoint, minimum level and override behavior.
Emergency Lighting and Life-Safety Circuits Require a Separate Retrofit Plan
Do not casually interrupt the permanent charging supply to a self-contained emergency driver. A normal Casambi Emergency Scene is not, by itself, a compliant emergency-lighting control, automatic-test or reporting system. If the project requires status monitoring, functional testing or duration testing, select a Casambi Ready emergency solution explicitly supporting DALI DT1 or the required emergency function, and verify the partner device and system architecture.
Fail-safe logic, independent supplies, bypasses, test records and acceptance requirements must be confirmed against the rules that apply to the project location. Normal and emergency luminaires can be present in one Casambi network, but their power and control logic must not be merged merely because they share a network.
When Casambi Is Not a Good Retrofit Fit
- No permanent power is available near the fixture.
- The driver uses an unreplaceable closed proprietary protocol.
- The only module location is a completely shielded metal enclosure and testing cannot establish a stable radio path.
- No compliant, maintainable space exists for local wiring or a controller.
- The existing driver is in poor condition or close to end of life.
- Emergency or life-safety requirements cannot meet fail-safe obligations.
- Retaining the old luminaire costs more than a complete, maintainable replacement.
A credible Casambi lighting retrofit includes a “do not retrofit” outcome when engineering evidence supports it. That is a better result than forcing a marginal installation into service.
Phase, Commission, Test and Document the Retrofit
Begin with a representative pilot containing the oldest and highest-quantity driver types, one difficult wireless location, retained switches, sensors and typical construction materials. Test drivers under actual conditions, not only new samples. Then phase the work by room, floor or circuit, updating drawings and records after each completed area.
Commission device pairing, profiles, names, network sharing, permissions, zones, scenes, timers, switches, sensors and recovery behavior. Acceptance testing should cover every luminaire and control, manual overrides, dimming extremes, occupancy and daylight sequences, power interruption, retained DALI interaction, radio performance and replacement of a representative device. Handover records should include DALI addresses, DT6/DT8 status, scenes, sensor parameters, topology, as-builts, test results, ownership and the approved replacement procedure.
Practical Retrofit Decision Framework
A Casambi lighting retrofit should be approved only after the survey, interface audit, radio-path test and pilot confirm the retained equipment. In practice, a Casambi lighting retrofit is strongest where permanent power, accessible local connections and serviceable drivers already exist.
For DALI projects, a Casambi DALI retrofit must begin with control direction and bus topology; it should never begin with a generic gateway selection. For analog projects, a 0-10V lighting retrofit must begin with current direction, total control current and dim-to-off testing.
A phased wireless lighting retrofit reduces disruption because one representative area can prove the local wiring method, product profiles and operating sequences before rollout. The same Casambi lighting retrofit framework also makes it easier to document the point at which an existing luminaire is no longer worth retaining.
Where a 0-10V lighting retrofit uses several drivers on one control channel, the installer must record the aggregate current and the final off-state. Where a Casambi DALI retrofit retains existing equipment, the documentation must record every affected DALI address and controller role.
Use the wireless lighting retrofit approach only after finished-environment testing establishes dependable coverage. A Casambi lighting retrofit is not a substitute for correct enclosure selection, permanent-power planning or life-safety compliance. This wireless lighting retrofit decision process should also be used before hardware is released for procurement. A final Casambi lighting retrofit review should confirm every selected driver, controller and enclosure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Casambi need a gateway for a lighting retrofit?
No, not for normal local control. A gateway is needed only for remote control, remote diagnostics or continuous cloud data functions.
Does Casambi work without an internet connection?
Yes. Local operation runs within the Casambi network. Internet connectivity is relevant to remote-access services, not ordinary local lighting control.
How many devices can be installed in one Casambi network?
It depends on network generation and mode. Evolution can theoretically reach 250 devices, but Casambi plans Balanced at about 125 nodes and Long Range at about 60; Classic is limited to 127.
Is Casambi the same as standard Bluetooth Mesh?
No. Casambi Mesh is Casambi’s specialized, encrypted lighting-control mesh based on Bluetooth Low Energy; it is not the standardized Bluetooth Mesh protocol.
Can existing wall switches be retained?
Often, yes. A suitable input device can retain compatible push buttons after their contact type, wiring condition and intended functions are verified.
Will a 0-10V driver turn completely off through Casambi?
It depends. Some drivers reach off at the low control limit; others remain at a minimum output and need a correctly rated relay or mains-switching arrangement.
What is the difference between Salvador and a Casambi DALI Gateway?
Salvador brings DALI luminaires into Casambi as virtual luminaires. CBU-DCS does the reverse: it lets a retained DALI controller see Casambi devices as DALI gear.
Can Casambi retrofit emergency lighting?
It depends on the approved emergency device and local code. Use a solution that explicitly supports the required emergency functions, testing and reporting; a normal scene alone is not enough.
Conclusion
A Casambi lighting retrofit can reduce disruption by avoiding a new centralized control bus while retaining sound mains infrastructure. The result depends on precise interface auditing, short local connections where required, a correct DALI control direction, realistic network planning, permanently powered radio paths and a separate life-safety plan. Pilot testing, phased delivery and complete documentation convert that promise into a maintainable system.
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