Later on, we’ll get into specific use cases for low voltage wiring, but first, let’s discuss why you would install low voltage wiring in a building. Low voltage wiring is also commonly used for doorbells/access control, thermostats, outdoor ground lighting, 5-volt USB outlets. The standard circuits in a building are high-voltage, but there are circumstances when low-voltage circuits and devices are better. The transformers and poles get their power from a power company’s electrical station.

Typically a home or business will draw power to its main electrical panel from a transformer or overhead wires connected to poles. Since we’ll be discussing wires that can carry a maximum voltage of 48V, this article will consider anything less than 50V as low voltage. Moreover, they actually define anything less than 50V as “extra low-voltage”. For example, according to the IEC, low voltage is anything less than 1,000V. Voltage classifications can be confusing because definitions vary depending on where the voltage is being used and who you ask. Most lighting fixtures, electronics, and appliances draw up to 120V. Standard wall outlets carry 120V in the United States and Canada. Like we said, a low voltage cable is anything designed to carry 50 volts or less. If you want to wire a building, it’s important you learn the terminology. If this guide gets a bit too technical, try your best to stick with us. The only way to fully understand what low voltage wiring is and how to install it is to know it from A-Z. You’ve probably found it difficult to find good information online regarding low voltage wiring, which is exactly why we created this guide.Ī lot of the information online is incomplete and lacking depth. Those of which are powered by electrical outlets that supply 120V in the United States and 240V in Europe. Low voltage wiring carries less voltage than what is necessary to power most appliances and lights. This includes:Īny cable designed to carry 50V or less is considered low voltage. Low voltage wiring (also known as low voltage cabling or structured cabling) refers to an electrical network foundation upon which digital technology and communication equipment functions. If you’re here, it’s because you already know that the answer is low voltage wiring.

With more and more devices needing to connect to the internet and transfer data, organizations have a greater need for a system that can facilitate their needs when standard electrical wiring and wireless networks fall short. If you dream of having the fastest connection speeds for all of your business network needs, then you’re looking for low voltage wiring.

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