Dealing with Low Voltage Cables: Where Can You Use Them?

Households today are incomplete without a stable internet connection and high-speed Wi-Fi. Smart technology applications allow automated lighting, music controls, and security systems. 

Low Voltage Cables also called Structured cabling is becoming the new construction standard. It allows expanding home features such as smart doorbells, garage door opener controls, thermostats, landscape lighting, and many more. When it comes to low voltage cabling systems, the current is significantly lower than power outlets, fixtures, and switches. This option promotes safety considering the standard wiring is more susceptible to electrocutions than open wires. 

Whether you are the contractor or a homeowner, this article tackles more into low voltage cables. It can help you understand how this plays a fundamental role in future-proofing your home and its valuable functions you might have overlooked.

What are (LV)Low Voltage Wires?

Low voltage wires have been around since the mid-1940s. A growing number of households implemented this cabling system throughout the years. The choices for these cables are:

  • Bare copper
  • Tinned copper
  • Solid aluminum
  • Stranded aluminum

  

The wiring can vary, but most LV cables have circular, compacted, or shaped configurations. From its name, electronics connected with LV do not have high electric stress. It is vital to control the electrical stress to prevent cases of cable insulation failure.

Another commonly used term for low voltage cabling is structured cabling. Structured cabling is an infrastructure that controls all network traffic: voice, data, video, and other management systems. Low voltage cables are used at homes, and also extremely beneficial in workplaces.

It is integral that a separate wiring network is implemented apart from the standard electrical wiring for commercial buildings. This option enables consistent connection across Network data, telephone outlets, Wi-Fi access, HD video, audio systems, and other networking systems.

Before getting into structure cabling, it is vital to understand the differences in installing electrical wires. The installation of low voltage cables requires technique and meticulous work to gain quality results. These wirings are more fragile than the traditional electrical wires making it risky to be done by inexperienced individuals. One wrong move can mess the performance of the cables, which may lead to even more problems.

Installation

As mentioned above, you need to handle low voltage cables with care. Select a professional that has extensive experience with the installation and configuration of low voltage networks.

The installation of low voltage cables enables upgrades down the road. It is all while giving homeowners peace of mind that there are minimal risks and dangers to this setup.

Types of Low Voltage Cables

A low voltage wiring network operates separately from the rest of your home wires. There are occasions when technicians build the electrical system first before integrating low voltage cables. Either way, the goal is to organize the network without compromising its performance. 

For the network to remain organized, installers must consider cooling, airflow, redundancy, and cable patches. Here are some of the most common types of low voltage cables:

  • Unshielded /ShieldedTwisted Pair cable
    This cable includes all cat cables from cat3 to cat8 and can be found in most households today.
  • Fiber Optic Cable 
    This type of cable is suitable for long-distance connections. With longer cable length, it requires specialized crimping tools and connectors to install and terminate.
  • Speaker Wire
    Speaker wires are suitable for setting up a home theater or establishing a comprehensive audio system.
  • Coaxial Cable
    Coaxial cables include RG-59/U, RG-6/U, and RG-6/UQ cables.
  • Security System Wire
    Security System Wire is used to build a robust security system around your home. It is recommended to utilize either 18 or 24AWG cables that have two or four conductors.

Valuable Functions of Low Voltage Cables Worth Mentioning

Versatility is the primary benefit of low voltage cables. Structured cabling allows homeowners and business owners to install robust networks across facilities. Here are some of the most common functions of Low Voltage Cables:

Telephones
Telephone outlets can take advantage of low voltage cables to establish multi-phone systems that work across computer networks.

Cabling Systems for Business
Low voltage cables are not limited to household use. These cables are also suitable for commercial establishments. It can aid in powering video and audio devices, subscribing to cable programming, as well as Wi-Fi networks. It is essentially more cost-effective to install while offering premier value and performance.

Security and Surveillance
Security and Surveillance systems can take advantage of low voltage cables. Structured cabling is crucial for seamlessly mapping out the security and surveillance roadmap. For instance, you can redirect the cables to rooms where video cameras, movement sensors, and alarms are situated.

Audio-Visual Wiring
Low voltage cables offer robust support to audio-visual wiring. This wiring covers various functionalities including powering cable television and operating intercom systems.

Landscaping
Low voltage cables are one of the most common materials used for landscaping. We recommend using outdoor/direct burial cables for the landscape projects. It can be beneficial in maintaining a bright and steady lighting setup to accommodate any of your backyard DIY projects. It is also safe to install, considering that the wires are about 6 inches deep within trenches.

Conclusion

SatMaximum is a leading distributor of low voltage wires. Whether you are building a new home or upgrading an old one we have the low voltage wiring that will provide you with a safe, scalable network for your internet, communications, and security
For any questions on what we offer contact us here. We are always happy to help!