Daisychaining

Daisy chaining is a method of connecting multiple devices in sequence by linking the output of one device to the input of the next, forming a linear chain. This topology is favored when devices are designed to tolerate a shared pathway and when wiring simplicity or limited ports are priorities.

In practice, daisy chaining appears in several domains. In lighting, LED strips and fixtures are often connected end-to-end in a single chain, sometimes with a shared power or control signal. In data and audio, certain interfaces and equipment allow cascading devices, such as some high-speed data interfaces and legacy audio pedal setups, though not all devices or standards support true daisy chaining. Many modern systems instead rely on star or switched topologies with hubs, controllers, or hubs to maintain performance and reliability.

Advantages of daisychaining include reduced wiring complexity, easier expansion, and lower hardware counts in systems specifically designed for chaining. Disadvantages include potential signal degradation or power loss as the chain length increases, limited fault isolation (a problem in one device can affect the entire chain), and stricter termination or synchronization requirements. Longer chains also increase the risk of overloading power rails or surpassing data integrity specifications.

Best practices emphasize using devices explicitly rated for daisy chaining, observing manufacturer-specified chain length and power limits, and considering alternative topologies (such as star or hub-based configurations) for critical or high-performance applications. Safety and compliance should guide decisions about chaining electrical loads, especially with power distribution hardware.