Low voltage systems, such as lighting and doorbells, use transformers to reduce power levels and are safer than high voltage systems. International and British standards define low voltage as AC below 50V or DC below 120V, while the US defines high voltage as over 600V. Low voltage systems are easier to install and modify, but have limited cable runs and may not be suitable for large-scale projects.
Low voltage refers to power supplies that produce relatively low levels of power. For example, major power distribution lines are considered high voltage, while low voltage systems include things like lighting or doorbells. These systems use special transformers to step down the main power to a lower voltage. All of these systems carry a greatly reduced risk of injury or death compared to traditional or high voltage systems.
Each country uses its own set of standards to define electrical power levels. Both International and British standards consider alternating current below 50 volts or direct current below 120 volts to be low voltage. The United States (USA) does not have a specific standard for low voltage, but it does define high voltage as any power source greater than 600 volts. For comparison, a standard household electrical outlet supplies 120 volts in the United States.
All high voltage systems are extremely dangerous and carry a significant risk of electric shock and arc flash. Low voltage systems carry some risk of shock, but little or no risk of arc flash. The ultra-low voltage poses little risk of shock or arcing, making it the safest of all power types.
The main benefit associated with low voltage wiring is that it is much safer than traditional wiring techniques. For example, running low voltage landscape lights in your backyard carries a much lower risk of injury or death than running standard power lines into the walls of a house. The increased security of these systems also means that installation standards are less stringent. This eliminates the need to bury lines or use costly conduit in many applications.
For the average user, low voltage systems are also much easier to install. They can be modified with relative ease at a later date and give users much more control over basic home power systems. Modern LED or halogen lights are designed to operate on lower voltage transformers, as are most door hardware and security systems.
One major disadvantage of the lower voltage is that appliances must be installed close to the power source or transformer. The length of cable runs is relatively limited, although this will have little effect on most day-to-day applications of this technology. Low voltage should only be used with small electrical systems and may not be appropriate for large-scale or commercial electrical projects. Some people criticize that this type of cabling also offers less durability due to the lack of conduit and other protective devices.
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