Low-voltage wiring can be found in just about every residential, commercial, and industrial property on the planet. This wiring is used for everything from lights and doorbells, to cable and Internet. Low-voltage wiring is considered to be safer than high-voltage wiring, but this doesn't mean you should attempt your own wiring if you're not an experienced electrician. Low-voltage wiring still carries 50 volts or less. Keep reading to learn more about low-voltage wires and how they're used.
What Is Low-voltage Wiring?
Low-voltage wires are insulated and have a non-metallic sheathing. These wires only carry 50 volts or less, so they carry a little less than half as much power as a standard wall outlet that outputs 120v. Although certain appliances and lighting systems require medium to high voltage, most modern communications and network wiring require low-voltage infrastructure and cabling.
With low-voltage wiring, a separate network of structured cabling is necessary. These low-voltage systems are bundles of twisted wires protected with a cable jacket to limit crosstalk and interference. Therefore, installation requires an experienced electrical contractor specializing in low-voltage cables and wiring.
Our professionals can customize efficient, high-quality infrastructure to handle all your electrical needs and support future scaling.
How Does it Differ from High-Voltage Wiring?
Low voltage ranges from 1 to 50 volts of energy output, and high voltage ranges between 1,000 and 500,000 volts.
High voltages are suitable for large appliances, industrial machinery, street lights, etc., whereas low voltages are ideal for smaller applications, such as networking and communications, small devices, and so on. Lower voltages are also safer because they could cause a small electrical shock, whereas high voltages could cause extreme burns or worse.
Benefits of Low-Voltage Wiring
Low-voltage wiring is the optimal choice for everyone who uses the internet or security systems for several reasons. Some of the numerous benefits of low-voltage wiring systems include:
- Superior speed and coverage for wireless networks
- Greater energy efficiency and lower usage
- Highly customizable for any commercial or residential needs
- Safer than high-voltage systems
- Streamlined and scalable system infrastructure
Types of Low-Voltage Cables Used
When installing low-voltage appliances and components, your electrician will have a number of cable options that can be used. For example, when data and information are moved between network devices, you would use low-voltage data cables like Ethernet cables. We use several cabling options for low-voltage systems, including:
Cat-5 and Cat-5e Cables
Cat-5e is one of the most sought-after cables on the market. Unshielded Cat-5 and Cat-5e ethernet cables carry telephone and video signals for multiple devices and network connections, including:
- Video
- Audio
- Automation networks
- Phones
- Computer networks
The current standard for unshielded twisted-pair cabling is Cat-5e. The cable provides support for up to 1,000 Megabits at 350 Hz bandwidth.
Cat-6 Cables
Cat-6 is an improved version of Cat5 cables, supporting lightning-fast data transfer. Cat-6 prevents system noise and crosstalk because the cables contain more twists per centimeter.
C-Wire Cables
Common wire, or C-wire, is frequently used for HVAC systems and thermostats. It supplies continuous power by connecting thermostats and low-voltage heating systems. Most of today’s newer HVAC systems have C-wire cabling to accommodate use with a smart thermostat.
Coaxial Cables
A coaxial cable transmits data, allowing people to surf the internet, watch television, and make phone calls. Every coaxial cable has a copper core supporting the long-distance transmission of information and a plastic outer casing that protects against electromagnetic interference.
Speaker Wires
Speaker wires primarily transmit sound from an amplifier or receiver to a speaker, and we can install them in any room using low-voltage wiring and coaxial cables. Speakers with larger electrical wires have small gauges allowing higher power levels.
Our Low-Voltage Wiring Services
At Suncoast Power, we provide quality electrical and wiring services, including low-voltage systems. No matter what kind of electrical or power needs your business or residential building requires, we can handle it.
Our low-voltage wiring services include:
- Telecommunication Areas
- Building Automated Systems
- Security Products
Telecommunication Applications
In a world where telecommunication is a building block for businesses, governments, and everyday people, our low-voltage wiring systems are indispensable. Our experts will wire your building, filling your connectivity needs using the best low-voltage wire option for each area.
Telephone Systems
Although landlines have fallen by the wayside in most residential homes, they still play a vital role in businesses and offices. Generally, Ethernet or fiber optic cable is the preferred telephone communication system for low-voltage wiring.
Internet and Wi-Fi
Even if your home uses a Wi-Fi network instead of wired Ethernet cables, the Wi-Fi system still relies on low-voltage wiring to connect to the internet. The low-voltage wiring connects to one centralized network, providing limited interference and adequate bandwidth.
Our low-voltage wiring systems can easily support all your internet, Wi-Fi, and communication needs.
Television Systems
Besides residential complexes, many commercial businesses, like offices, restaurants, and healthcare systems, also require multiple-screen cable television systems. Our technicians use fiber optic or coaxial cable to ensure fast, seamless television broadcasting.
Building Automation Systems
Automation systems allow buildings to benefit from smart features to help them become more energy-efficient. This energy efficiency helps monitor room occupancy, gauges temperature, and more to make everyday life easier for everyone in the facility.
In the past, connecting and controlling multiple systems in a building required extensive manual labor. Now, structured cabling and smart technology help facilitate the process for numerous residential and commercial applications.
Lighting Controls
Low-voltage systems with smart lighting can benefit any building, from the smallest apartment to the largest commercial building. With a low-voltage system, you can operate the entire lighting system from one convenient and user-friendly interface.
Thermostats
Easy access to and control of the thermostat in a business is paramount. A smart thermostat allows controllers to set up specific temperatures within certain areas or can enable them to turn and off at designated times. These smart thermostats connect effortlessly with low-voltage structured cabling, allowing for remote operation of your HVAC system and lower energy costs.
A/V Equipment
A low-voltage wiring system is a superior choice for experiencing the latest and greatest entertainment. You can seamlessly connect all your audiovisual equipment, such as surround sound, smart TVs, intercoms, and more. We specialize in hooking up large-scale commercial audiovisual equipment for businesses.
Garage Door Openers
Garage door openers are another automated system that runs off of low-voltage wiring. Your garage opener can function either through a driver’s keyfob or a motion-activated device. Smart garage opens also add an extra layer of security to the building by only allowing specified people to enter.
Security Products
Ensuring your home or business has the best possible security system is critical. At Suncoast Power, we provide low-voltage wiring solutions for the most advanced security systems on the market, including motion sensors, cameras, alarms, lighting, and more.
Security Cameras
Most wireless security cameras aren’t suitable for large-scale commercial buildings. However, a low-voltage wiring infrastructure with Cat-6 cabling is ideal for security cameras, such as CCTV and intrusion detection systems. These cables provide reliable connectivity and crisp images to give the clearest security image.
Access Control Systems
A low-voltage access control system utilizes technology like biometric scanners and card readers to restrict access to sensitive areas. An access control system efficiently increases building security while using minimal power.
Motion Sensors
Our low-voltage wiring systems are perfect for motion sensors and panic switches. With our professional installation, you’ll have peace of mind knowing your commercial or residential building is safe from intruders.
Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarms
A premium-grade security system should have multiple fire and carbon monoxide alarms and door and window contacts. Low-voltage structured cabling is ideal for linking alarm systems and automatically notifying police upon activation.
Security Lighting Systems
Ultra-bright security lighting is a strong deterrent to criminal activity and increases the safety of your home or business. Our security lighting systems run on high-quality structured cabling, ensuring your entire alarm system is connected and working correctly.
Paging and Intercom Systems
Low-voltage wiring is also used to install, upgrade, and maintain intercom and paging systems. These systems are invaluable in schools, hospitals, malls, grocery stores, factories, warehouses, etc., and they are a way for building areas to connect quickly and efficiently.
Mass Notification Systems
Emergency preparedness and safety protocols are mandatory for every business. Mass notification systems facilitate rapid communication during emergencies when every second counts. Our team can set up networking to accommodate long-distance communication via phone, email, and text.
Nurse Call Systems
A low-voltage nurse call system is a seamless, efficient way to expedite large-scale communication across an entire healthcare facility. Most include wireless phones and pagers, EMR databases, and real-time location devices for fast employee communication.
Need An Experienced Electrician To Help With Your Low-Voltage Wiring?
Low-voltage wiring may be less dangerous than working with high-voltage wires, but it’s still not something that you should try to do yourself. The safest thing to do is contact an experienced electrician to make sure your wiring is installed safely and in compliance with local building codes.
Suncoast Power has provided low-voltage electrical services to retail, commercial, and industrial properties across Florida for more than 30 years. Contact us today to discuss your project and requirements with a member of our team. We are standing by to book your initial site visit.