The Types And Applications Of Low-Voltage Cables?
Low-voltage cables are electrical wires that are designed to carry electrical currents at voltages below 50 volt AC or 120 volt DC. These cables are commonly used in a variety of applications, including telecommunications, lighting, and power distribution.
The Most Common Types Of Low-Voltage Cables
One of the most common types of low-voltage cables is the twisted pair cable, which consists of two insulated wires that are twisted together to reduce electromagnetic interference. This type of cable is commonly used in networking applications, such as Ethernet and telephone systems.
Twisted pair cables are available in a range of different categories, each of which is designed for specific applications and performance requirements. For example, Category 5 (CAT5) cables are commonly used for Ethernet networks, while Category 3 (CAT3) cables are typically used for telephone systems.
Another type of low-voltage cable is the coaxial cable, which consists of a central conductive wire surrounded by an insulating layer and a grounded shield. This type of cable is commonly used for carrying high-frequency signals, such as those used in television and radio broadcasting.
Coaxial cables are available in a range of different sizes and performance specifications, and they are typically rated according to their frequency and signal loss characteristics. For example, a RG-6 coaxial cable is commonly used for carrying cable television signals, while a RG-11 cable is typically used for longer runs or for carrying higher-bandwidth signals.
Low-voltage cables are also used in lighting applications, such as in residential and commercial buildings. These cables are often used to connect light fixtures to power sources, and they may be encased in protective sheathing to prevent damage and ensure safe operation.
Lighting cables are typically designed to meet specific performance and safety standards, and they may be constructed from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, and fiber optic strands. These cables may also be rated for different temperature and voltage tolerances, depending on the specific application and environment in which they are used.
In power distribution applications, low-voltage cables are used to carry electrical currents from power sources to electrical devices and systems. These cables may be used in a variety of settings, including industrial, commercial, and residential buildings.
Power distribution cables are typically designed to meet specific performance and safety standards, and they may be constructed from a variety of materials, including copper, aluminum, and fiber optic strands. These cables may also be rated for different temperature and voltage tolerances, depending on the specific application and environment in which they are used.
Summary
Overall, low-voltage cables are an important component of many electrical systems, and they play a crucial role in a wide range of applications. They are available in a variety of types and performance specifications, and they are designed to meet specific performance and safety standards for their intended applications.
What Is Low Voltage Cable: Uses, Applications & Types
In the world of constant connectivity, businesses and homes need a way to quickly transmit data via phone, audio, and internet. Cellular and wireless technology have made these things more accessible. Believe it or not, those options don’t offer the fastest connectivity. No, that crown belongs to low voltage cabling.
So, what is a low voltage cable?
Low voltage cable (also called structured cabling or network wiring) is a wire designed to carry 50 volts or less. Low voltage wiring consists of twisted pairs of wires that carry signals. These wires are enclosed in a cable covering to protect them and prevent crosstalk.
As a whole, low voltage cabling creates an electrical network foundation which digital technology within a building functions through. Low voltage cabling is used for telephone communication, internet, security systems, and even lighting.
The name suggests how low voltage wiring differs from high voltage wiring. Standard wall outlets carry high voltage (120V in the United States and Canada). Most lighting fixtures, electronics, and appliances draw up to 120V.
The standard circuits in a building are high-voltage, but there are circumstances when low-voltage circuits and devices are better.
Here are a few of those situations:
Telephone: Many businesses still rely on wired phone systems which are connected to low voltage wiring. Businesses need quick connectivity between multiple floors and departments and low voltage cabling can facilitate that. Fiber optic or ethernet cable is traditionally used for telephone communication.
Cable Television: Many organizations like restaurants, offices with multiple meeting rooms, and hospitals subscribe to cable television across multiple screens. Video delivery services like cable television are provided with coaxial or fiber optic cable.
Audio: Intercom systems, security camera speakers, and surround sound are a few of the reasons businesses may need audio capabilities. Speakers can be put in any room with coaxial and speaker wire.
Security And Surveillance: All businesses want to protect their employees and property. They have the option of either using wireless cameras or a wired surveillance system. Wireless security cameras may be more convenient, but large buildings (vertically or horizontally), may have range issues with wireless. Surveillance uses Cat6 cabling for IP, network, and analog cameras.
Computers: Companies utilize computer networks for a variety of tasks including communicating with people, communicating with devices, and managing IP. Behind most computers, you’ll find Cat5, 6, or 7 cables connected with an RJ45.
Keep in mind that none of these technologies require low voltage wiring. However, in most cases (when the infrastructure allows for it) low voltage wiring is the superior wiring.
Benefits of Low Voltage Wiring
Wireless networks are getting faster every year, but they still can’t compete with the speed and coverage of low voltage wiring.
Those aren’t the only benefits of low-voltage wiring.
Here are a few more:
Low voltage wiring is more energy efficient because it never draws more than 50V of power.
Low voltage wiring is scalable and more streamlined when installed in a structured cabling system managed with patch panels.
Low voltage wiring can be customized to fit the needs of any business or organization.
Lower risk of electrocution and severe bodily harm.
Types Of Low Voltage Cables
Cable is the medium through which information and data move from one network device to another. There are more than a few types of low voltage cables which are used in LANs. Most networks will utilize many types of cables to achieve their unique purposes.
Cat5 & Cat5e
With the introduction of Cat5e, Cat5, and all other previous versions are now obsolete. Cat5e, the current industry standard for unshielded twisted-pair cabling (UTP), can support up to 100/1,000 Megabits (Mbps) at 350 Hz bandwidth. Cat5 and Cat5e Ethernet cables are unshielded and used to carry video and telephone signals. These cables are used to connect phones, computer networks, automation networks, video/audio, and much more.
Cat6
Cat5 and Cat6 may seem the same, but they differ simply because Cat6 is the new and improved version of Cat5. Cat6 has more twists per cm compared to Cat5 allowing them to support faster data transfer. They are also better at limiting crosstalk and system noise, which is beneficial since most low voltage wires exist alongside many other wires originating in the same location.
Coaxial
Coaxial cable is a cable used to transmit internet, video, television, and voice data. It’s made of aluminum, copper, and an outer plastic jacket providing protection from electromagnetic interference. The copper core allows the coaxial cable to transmit information over long distances. Fun fact, coaxial cable was one of the first cables used as ethernet cable, although it no longer serves that purpose.
C-Wire
C-wire or common wire connects low voltage heating systems to thermostats carrying continuous power. Most newer HVAC systems have C-wires making them compatible with smart thermostats.
Speaker Wires
Speaker wire is most commonly used to transmit sound signals from a receiver or amplifier to a speaker. The smaller the gauge, the bigger the wire and the more power it can handle.
Final Thoughts
Businesses that need fast communication between devices can benefit from low voltage wiring.
Due to the demand for cost-effective and powerful communication systems, low voltage cabling is becoming more and more popular in homes and businesses.
Low voltage cables
Low voltage cables
Low Voltage power cables are constructed with rigid, solid or stranded, copper and aluminium conductors, and flexible (bare or tin-plated) copper conductors.
XLPE, PVC, LSF/LSOH and elastomer compounds are the main insulating and shielding compounds for these cable types.
Steel (or aluminium for single core cables) wires or tapes may be applied under the outer sheath, providing additional mechanical protection.
Cables for special applications, halogen-free, fire-retardant, fire-resistant and with low smoke emissions can also be provided.
Our products are available according to various national and/or international standards, as well as according to the demands-specifications set by the client.
