Many contemporary home owners find it difficult to picture a house without Wi-Fi, high-speed Internet, automated controls for pleasures like lighting, and cutting-edge security systems including cameras.
As a result, structured cabling is often offered as an option or as a standard part by home builders when building new homes. Although certain foundations don’t change, fitting low voltage wire seems to be a completely different challenge. This guide will explain low voltage wiring and how an electric low voltage installer can help you, whether you’re in control of an electrical job or a homeowner.
Briefly stated: Wiring Low Voltage
So how does the installation of structured cabling vary from that of regular electrical wiring? Most wall-mounted wire outlets are 240V or 120V powered. Low voltage cable does not, however, transmit the very same current as that of the typical switches, outlets, and fixtures used in homes. Low voltage cable is designed to carry electricity at 50 volts or less. The low voltages of 12, 24, and 48 Volts are often employed.
Low voltage wiring can be found in smart doorbells, phones, garage door opener controls, thermostats for heating and cooling and indoor and outdoor lighting, alarm system sensors and controls (security cameras, motion sensors), audio-visual wiring (cable television, sound systems, intercom systems), internet, and Wi-Fi.
Low voltage wire infrastructure is referred to as structured cabling. In contrast to the majority of a home’s wiring, an organized wiring system is constructed on a distinct network. The low voltage wire is often placed after the main power system of the house.
An electrical wiring system must have a good design in order to function properly. An intelligent design takes into account ventilation and cooling issues, permits redundancy, chooses the right cabling for the job, and arranges cabling patch routes. Some of the most popular cable types for use in low-voltage wiring are the ones listed below:
The most popular type of UTP cable used in houses nowadays is Cat 6 or Cat 6a.
- Fiber optic cable: Long-distance runs typically include this cable. It is difficult to handle and calls for specialized connections and crimping tools.
- Home theatre and whole-house audio systems both need speaker wire.
- Cable for a thermostat
The most common types of coaxial cable (coax) in a house are RG-59/U (1.024mm core with double protection), RG-6/UQ (1.024mm core with a quad shield), and RG-6/U.
- Wire for security systems normally has 2 or 4 conductors and an AWG of 18 or 24.
An organized cabling system is user-friendly, effective, adaptable, and well-structured. Locating specific cables is quick. It may also easily be modified or expanded upon and is versatile. It uses less power and requires less maintenance while transmitting data swiftly.
Before installing structured cabling systems, electrical contractors must comprehend the following crucial information.
Electrical cables cannot be tugged in the same manner as low voltage wires. Wire used for low voltage is quite fragile. It may degrade under harsh conditions, pulling away the twist and lowering cable performance. The suggested draw strength is 25 pounds; however each manufacturer has specifications that you should follow.
The fact because low voltage wire, including fiber cable, can really not be bent at 90 degrees is another item to keep in mind. In way to switch it in a new direction, you must construct a loop. To establish the greatest radius of the circle, once more refer to the manufacturer’s specs. Cable fibers have the potential to kink or tear, which might hinder transmission.
Low voltage wires should be put parallel to all wiring and at least one foot away from the home’s main electrical lines. Data transmission may be hampered by signal interference due to the greater voltage on electrical cables. Low voltage wires should be positioned at a 90° angle if they must be placed above electrical lines. Additionally, copper cabling shouldn’t be run farther than 100 meters, with a few exceptions.