Premises such as residential, office, and industrial are equipped not only with electrical wiring, but also with low-voltage systems. Let’s find out what that is.
To maintain communication connections, a special network designed for low voltages must be established.
The entire system operates on low currents, connecting to devices that do not require high voltage and can transmit from 12 to 24 volts. When designing low-voltage systems, the comprehensive project of all communications is taken into account: electrical lines, plumbing, and especially lighting. This helps avoid unwanted intersections.
What Are Low-Voltage Engineering Systems
Another name for such networks is information networks. This is due to the direct purpose of low-voltage currents. These systems are supported by devices such as Wi-Fi, telephone lines, internet, television and radio broadcasting, etc.
In general, communication consists not only of wiring but also of adapters and technical devices, household appliances (switches, routers, hubs). They complete this chain, serving as receivers.
Another difference from power networks, besides voltage, is the relative safety for humans. Unlike the dangerous 220-volt sign, the low-voltage system cable cannot cause significant harm.
Designing Low-Voltage Systems and Requirements
High quality standards are required for communication:
- Reliability – demonstrated both during project development and installation – involving cable laying, insulation, connection to equipment, as well as the installation of distribution boards, and more. It is necessary to ensure perfect connection of all equipment to meet the requirements outlined in the device’s technical passport and project. Wire insulation may be required if necessary. Insulation is mainly required in high humidity environments, including those accessible to small children. All safety regulations must be adhered to, protection against fires and short circuits must be in place. Failure to meet safety requirements may lead to fires and damage technical equipment.
- Fault-free operation – during the operation of the entire system, sudden shutdowns should be avoided. The equipment often contributes to fire alarm systems, video surveillance, and other functions that cannot be left unattended. To prevent accidents during operation, comprehensive maintenance is required regularly, checking all points, and carefully planning everything during the design stage.
- Scalability of the system – as objects have the potential for additional equipment units, it is necessary to establish connections to ensure backup lines are always available. They can also be useful if one cable is damaged – an additional one can be used. This expansion needs to be included in the project. Determining the connection of devices in a low-voltage system depends on the project’s decision and the customer’s needs. Even for household use, low-voltage systems should be designed to accommodate an increase in connections.
- Affordable price. It is essential to understand what can be cost-effective and what cannot. The equipment must be functional and safe. When designing surveillance systems, the cost of the cameras can be reduced slightly by sacrificing image quality. It is not recommended to skimp on fire safety and alerts, as a malfunction or poor performance of this network can have dire consequences. Choose quality products at an affordable price.
Types of Low-Voltage Systems
The entire volume of communications can be divided into two large networks (conditionally):
Domestic Purpose Networks
From the name, it is apparent that they are intended for use in apartments, houses, and small organizations. Such networks have a local, enclosed space, which is serviced by specialized organizations. When connecting such networks, it is recommended to do so with the help of professionals.
Low-Voltage Domestic Systems Include:
- Internet. This line may have various connections, including wireless ones. However, the most reliable and uninterrupted is considered to be cable. The cable is laid underground or overhead, supplying both private sectors and multi-apartment buildings. In domestic use, it is important to connect all devices: desktop computers, laptops, routers.
- Television. Antennas and analog channels are gradually being replaced by modern satellite TV. But even the “dish” requires connection to the device. Currently, many homes and apartments have several televisions that can be connected from one signal source.
- Alarm system. The project for such a low-voltage system is carried out by specialized organizations. This is one of the most complex systems with low voltage, as it includes video surveillance, motion sensors, and notifications. Sometimes these devices immediately communicate with law enforcement agencies or security companies.
- Telephony. With the advent of mobile communications, the relevance of the telephone line decreases. However, in many regions of the country, especially in the private sector of small towns, the internet is still connected through a network switch and telephone.
- Intercom. This network is very popular. Every private house, apartment building tries to protect itself with a steel door from unwanted guests. The feature of designing an intercom is that if errors are made, the device can jam. Another frequent problem is the incorrect distribution of signals.
- Music systems and home theaters. Because of the abundance of devices, this equipment also requires a specialized electrical plan to avoid disrupting signals from other devices in the building (home, office, etc.).
Corporate Low-Voltage Systems
Corporate low-voltage systems include all the mentioned domestic networks, as well as:
- Fire safety. This is a crucial element in a building, checked by inspection bodies. Fire safety projects include sensors and smoke detectors, sprinklers, as well as signal alerts activation. This network can also be connected to emergency system generators – lighting, electrical systems.
- Local Area Network, or LAN. The network between computers and other devices can be established in various ways depending on the room layout. Link configurations can be ring, bus (linear), or star-shaped. Typically, when setting up LAN, the customer hires a specialized organization.
- Workplace warning system. These are installed speakers through which messages are broadcast to employees.
In organizations, professionals are usually invited for the design, installation, maintenance, and timely service of low-voltage systems. For more information, you can visit here.
Stages of Low-Voltage System Project Development:
- Determine (plan) the location of all equipment installations.
- Calculate the length of the cable used.
- Draw a diagram on the building plan.
- Find (if available) the nearest external network lines to make the connection.
- Cable and wire laying.
- Installation of outlets and other devices.
- Equipment connection.
Installation Phases:
- Cable and wire laying.
- Installation of outlets and other devices.
- Equipment connection.
