What Is Low Voltage Wiring? The Low-Down on Low Voltage Wiring

Numerous of moment’s homeowners can’t fantasize about a home without high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi home robotization controls for amenities similar as lighting and music and up-to-date security systems with cameras.

That’s why numerous homebuilders are making installation of structured cabling in new construction standards or offering it as an option. And while some of the basics are the same, installing low voltage wiring is a whole different ballgame. Whether you’re managing an electrical design or you’re a homeowner, this companion will help you gain a better agreement of how low voltage wiring workshop and how an electrical contractor can help.


Low Voltage Wiring in a Nutshell


So, how does the installation of structured cabling differ from the installation of average electrical cabling? Utmost wall of string outlets run 120V or 240V of electricity. But low voltage wiring doesn’t carry the same current as the power outlets, institutions, and switches generally installed in homes. Low voltage wiring is designed to carry 50 volts of electricity or lower. Common low voltages are 12V, 24V, and 48V.

Low voltage wiring is frequently used for Smart doorbells, telephones, garage door nature controls, heating and cooling thermostats, geography lighting, alarm system detectors and controls ( security system cameras, stir detectors), audio-visual wiring ( compass sound audio systems, string TV, intercom systems), internet network and Wi-Fi, and LED or low voltage lighting.

The structure on which low voltage wiring operates is called structured cabling. A structured wiring system is erected on a separate network from the utmost of a home’s wiring. In utmost cases, the home’s main electrical system is installed first, followed by the low voltage wiring.

The optimal performance of a structured cabling system is pendent upon a good arrangement. A good design considers tailwind and cooling issues, allows for redundancy, chooses the correct cabling for the job, and plans the cabling patch ways. Some of the more common types of lines used in low-voltage wiring include

Unshielded Twisted Brace (UTP) string — Cat 6 or 6a lines are the bones most frequently used in homes moment.

Fiber optical string — Used for long-distance runs. It’s delicate to work with and requires technical releasing tools and connectors.

Speaker line — Used for whole-house audio and home theater operations.


Thermostat line


Coextensive string ( blandish) — The most common types used in a home are RG-59/ U (.64 mm core and a single guard), RG-6/ U (1.024 mm core with a double guard), and/ RG-6/ UQ (1.024 mm core with a quadrangle guard.

Security system line — Generally in 18 and 24AWG, with either two or four operators.

A structured cabling system is simple, effective, forward adaptable, and systematized. Specific cables can be snappily headed. It’s also flexible and easy to alter or make additions to. It can carry data at high rates while reducing power and conservation costs.

Then are some of the most important details electrical contractors will need to learn before installing structured cabling systems. You can’t pull a low voltage line the same way you pull an electrical line. A low voltage line is veritably fragile. Rough running can damage it, pulling out the twist, and affecting string performance. Outside of 25 pounds of pull strength is recommended, although each manufacturer has its own standard which you should follow.

Another important thing to note is that a low voltage line, similar to a fiber-optic string, can’t bend at a 90- degree angle. However, you’ll have to form a circle, if you need to turn it in a different direction. Again, look at the manufacturer’s norms to determine the maximum compass of the circle. Cable filaments are prone to kinking or breaking, which can degrade the signal.

Low voltage cables should be installed a bottom down, at a minimum, from the home’s main electrical cables, running resemblance with all the cabling. The advanced voltage on electrical lines can produce signal hindrance that may affect the data cables. However, they should be installed at a 90- degree angle, if you can’t avoid installing low voltage cables across electrical cables. And, generally, bobby cabling shouldn’t exceed 100 measures, although there are some exceptions.


A Great Growth Occasion


The global structured cabling request is anticipated to reach$ million by 2022. The request is especially robust in the U.S. due to the high demand for Internet connectivity and also because so numerous technology titans are headquartered then.

This creates a great fiscal occasion for electrical contractors. While there’s fierce competition from other string installers similar to electronic system contractors, alarm system installers, and home entertainment installers, electrical contractors are more- deposited in numerous ways to take advantage of this economic occasion.

Why? General contractors like to work with companies they’re familiar with and companies that they’ve enjoyed a good working experience with on previous jobs. General contractors know the significance of connections erected on trust. Plus, electrical contractors are a major part of the design and are formerly on the Jobsite installing the main electrical factors. They can’t be replaced by an alarm installer, for the case.

Another reason general contractors prefer to give all the string installations to electrical contractors comes down to the nethermost line. Having an electrical contractor as a single point of contact rather than dealing with multiple installers can save a general contractor up to 20 percent on the electrical installation cost of the job.


Should You Jump on the Bandwagon?


Just because it would be salutary to general contractors, doesn’t inescapably mean electrical contractors should jump on- board. As we =’ve seen, installation of the main electrical system is veritably different from the installation of the low voltage system. Without proper training and experience, taking on this new occasion could lead to a failed network. And that could put a black mark on your company’s professional character. It also requires a shift of focus your company will have to come more client-service acquainted when dealing with guests. Low voltage wiring operates under a different set of rules and governing bodies (IEEE, ANSI, EIA, TIA, and BICSI) than electrical wiring, which follows the norms set by the NEC. Low-voltage licensing varies from state to state and indeed megacity to megacity in some countries.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to top