Low Voltage Systems for Commercial and Industrial Installations

WHAT ARE LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS?

In addition to the standard electrical system that powers the switches, lights and plugs, most commercial and industrial projects require a secondary or low voltage system to power those services and devices that operate on 50V or less. The most common examples used for commercial and industrial locations include:

Access Control
Audio/Visual
DAS/Cell Boosting
Data Cabling
Exterior Lighting
Fiber Optics
Fire Alarms
Fusion Splicing
HVAC and Control Wiring
Mass Notification Systems
Paging/Intercom
Sound Masking
Sound Systems
Surveillance
Wireless

Most of these services and their connected components utilize 12V, 24V or 48V, making their design and maintenance more challenging than standard electrical power systems. As a result, today’s commercial and industrial locations require an intelligent, structured cabling system that seamlessly integrates and simultaneously controls each system’s unique requirements.

Low Voltage Benefits

The most apparent benefit is safety; while lower voltages can still produce a shock, higher voltages can result in extreme burns or death. Compared to standard 120V electrical systems, low voltage improves energy efficiency and lowers usage while providing superior speed and coverage for wireless networks. Because it streamlines the wiring process, low voltage provides a scalable infrastructure wiring system that is highly customizable to meet each project’s specific needs today and in the future.

To learn more about our industrial control systems, please contact our office.

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Low Voltage Cabling Options

Low-voltage wires are insulated and feature a non-metallic sheathing. Depending on the type of usage, we will choose between one of these cabling options:

Coaxial cables feature a copper core to support the long-distance transmission of information, surrounded by a plastic casing to protect against electromagnetic interference.

C-wire cables, called C-wire or Common wire, are typically used to connect thermostats to HVAC systems. C-wire provides continuous power to low-voltage heating systems and is ideal for use with smart thermostats to reduce overall energy consumption.

Cat-5 and Cat-5e cables carry telephone and video signals for network connections and multiple device connections. Cat-5e is the current “gold standard” for low voltage, unshielded twisted-pair cabling, as it can support 1,000 Megabits at 350 Hz bandwidth.

Low Voltage Certifications

Low voltage wiring systems require electricians who are specially trained and hold one or more of the following certifications:

Certified Electronic Systems Technician (EST)
Master Certified Electronics Technician (CETma)
Electronics Technicians Association (ETA)
BICSI Technician
Registered Communications Distribution Designer
Certified Technical Professional

Low Voltage Projects

With over 60 years of experience behind us, Winward is the proven leader in the analysis, design, installation and service of low voltage electrical systems. Most of our team members have been with Winward for a decade or longer, which helps ensure that every low-voltage installation is safe and efficiently organized to make future upgrades easier.

Should your existing low voltage system need repairs or service, or you want to leverage the benefits of low voltage into your next remodel or new construction project, contact the Winward Team to learn more or get a quote.

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