Low Voltage Wiring Types and Usage

Low-voltage wiring is a specific kind of wiring exclusively engineered to transfer lower voltages to hardware specific devices like security cameras, network switches, access control devices and more.

Low-voltage wiring uses thinner wires to transmit a smaller amount of electricity. Simply put, low-voltage cabling (also called structured wiring) is electrical wiring and trim that requires less power in infrastructural technologies such as telecommunications, security and safety systems, and a growing number of IoT devices. 

Low-voltage wiring is essential for smart home products like thermostats, garage door opener controls, and landscape lighting. Additionally, the physical security systems in modern buildings, such as the alarm system, video surveillance, access control, and anything else requiring an internet connection, are also powered by low-voltage wiring. 

Here are some of the basic things that most people overlook when it comes to low-voltage wiring: 

• The majority of low-voltage installation happens concurrently with basic electrical work.
• Low-voltage wiring is required for most home and business devices.
• Everything that needs to communicate with other devices, including phones, the Internet, and security systems, uses low voltage in some way.

Which Type of Wiring Is Used for Low Voltage?

Low voltage wiring consists of twisted pairs of wires that carry signals enclosed in a cable covering. Because of this, cables must have a buffer running through the center between the pairs. Common low-voltage wiring options include:

• Category 5 (Cat 5) and Category 6 (Cat 6) are used for high-speed computer networks and to carry audio and video signals.
• Fiber optic cables enable data transfer with wider bandwidth and are widely used in internet networks.
• RG-6 is primarily used for cable and satellite signal transmission for residential or commercial installations.

When installing low-voltage wiring, Depending on the installation and speed requirements, many business applications will likely choose Cat6 or Cat6a low-voltage wiring, though companies willing to pay for the best performance possible will choose fiber optic cable.

How Do You Know Which Wire Is Low Voltage?

Finding low-voltage wiring will vary depending on the location, access to the property, and experience. For safety purposes, it is advisable to contact a trained professional or certified security integrator before searching for low-voltage wires. 

Property owners, managers, security directors, and even homeowners with the original systems installed may face low-voltage switches, relays, or transformers that no longer operate. Look for low-voltage wires that transmit 50 volts of electricity or less. Low-voltage products are typically 12V, 24V, or 48V.

Low Voltage Wiring Safety Considerations

Low-voltage wiring work has many of the same hazards as any other construction trade, so safety considerations should not be overlooked. Even low-voltage professional installers can experience unsettling dangers if they work in an unsafe environment. 

According to research, even when there are no outward indicators of injury, low-voltage electric shocks can nevertheless result in electrocution and deadly injuries. 

When working with low-voltage wiring, safety considerations include: 

• Always use insulated tools and avoid all contact with bare terminals and grounded surfaces.
• Check each relay, especially near the 120V connections in the lights or other switched devices.
• Follow all safety precautions and guidelines. 

Is 120V Considered Low Voltage?

High-voltage systems, line voltage, and standard voltage all refer to 120V. The majority of homes run on 120V. Although 120V lighting is regarded as high-voltage wiring, security integrators typically use it when vast areas need to be lit with a lot of light output. 

In most localities, a licensed electrician must install high-voltage cables, but it is best to check your state’s regulations. 12V is unquestionably the safer and superior option for landscape lighting in homes.

Industry professionals highlight CAT6A as the most cost-effective option. The speed of CAT6A is at least 500 MHz, which facilitates 10 Gbp/s (Gigabits per second) up to 328 feet (100 meters).

The difference between Cat6 and Cat6a is that the former’s max speed is 250 MHz, while the latter supports 10 Gbp/s to 165 feet (55 meters) under ideal conditions—less in heavy crosstalk environments.

Is it More Energy Efficient?

Low-voltage systems are more energy efficient than 120V systems. For example, low-voltage 12V typically uses 20 to 40 percent less electricity than 120V.

These innovative lighting systems offer many benefits. They are widely used in residential and commercial buildings, which use high-quality brilliant luminance as a deterrent.

Can I Use Cat6a Instead of Cat6?

Many industry professionals indicate that CAT6A is the most cost-effective option. Cat6A speed is at least 500 MHz, facilitating 10 Gbp/s (Gigabits per second) up to 328 feet (100 meters).

The difference between Cat6 and Cat6a is that the former max speed is 250 MHz and only supports 10 Gbp/s to 165 feet (55 meters) under ideal conditions—less in heavy crosstalk environments. The crosstalk creates a certain voltage in that wire that will emerge from both near and far ends.

What is Structured Cabling? 

Structured cabling serves tenants across industries, from a multifamily apartment complex to an office building. Low-voltage setups are becoming more popular, especially since efficiency and sustainability are increasingly important priorities for your clients.

The buildings you are working on will have a standard wiring network that usually uses voltage at 120V or 140V. So, to properly and safely install structured cabling, you will need to build a separate low-voltage network on top of any existing wiring.

Structured Cabling Installation

Structured cabling installation is different from installing regular electrical cables. Structured cabling refers to the overall low-voltage system that includes all the infrastructure components necessary for functional low-voltage wiring, such as insulation and cable sheaths.

Most of a home’s wiring uses a separate network rather than a low-voltage wiring system for residential wiring. Low-voltage cables can be installed after the primary electrical system of a house is set up. A structured cabling system needs an innovative design to function at its peak.

Some of the most frequent cable types used in low-voltage wiring include the following:

1. Cat 6 or 6a cables are the UTP cables and are most frequently used in homes today.
2. Fiber optic cables are usually utilized for long runs and require specialist connectors and crimping tools.
3. Security system wires usually have two or four conductors with an average wire gauge of 18 or 24.
4. Coaxial cable (coax) — These three models—RG-59/U (.64mm core and single shield), RG-6/U (1.024mm core and double shield), and /RG-6/UQ (1.024mm core and quad shield)—are the most often utilized in homes and small offices. 

Things to Consider During Low Voltage Wires Installation

Structured cabling powers many devices that tenants rely on every day. When setting up a structured cabling system, here are key points to consider:

• Effective Design: Ensuring the cabling architecture is well-planned and organized.
• Future-Proofing: Designing the system to accommodate future technological advancements and capacity needs.
• Redundancy: Implementing backup paths or systems to maintain functionality in case of a primary system failure.

FAQs

Can low-voltage wires carry data and power simultaneously?Yes, certain low-voltage wires, such as those used for Power over Ethernet connections (PoE), can carry both data and electrical power to devices like security cameras and network routers, simplifying the cabling requirements.Where is low-voltage wiring commonly used?Low voltage wiring is used in applications such as telephone lines, internet connections, home theater systems, security cameras, motion sensors, and smart home devices that feature energy efficiency.What is the advantage of 12V lighting? Lower voltage lights are energy efficient and powered by electricity in the range of 12 volts.Regarding the electricity bills and recurring operational costs to run exterior lights outside, you will get many additional benefits from low-voltage lights.What is the most common cause of electrical crosstalk?Crosstalk is usually caused by undesired capacitive, inductive, or conductive coupling from one circuit or channel to another. It is a significant issue, especially in structured cabling.The infrastructure on which low-voltage wiring operates is called structured cabling. In this context, crosstalk is electromagnetic interference from one unshielded twisted pair (UTP) to another.

Select a Reputable Vendor for your Low-Voltage Wiring

Selecting a reputable vendor for your low-voltage wiring project is critical if you want quality work that meets industry standards.

A licensed system integrator, a low-voltage contractor, can design, install, and manage your low-voltage projects.

In addition, the right system integrator can help ensure that the technology you purchased is installed correctly and efficiently.

Hiring an integrator is a great way to ensure you get the most out of your investment. Important information to provide your integrator before a project includes:

• Clear project scope with a summary of what the low voltage project involves.
• Confirm the objectives and goals of the Project.
• Provide an approximate schedule for the Project. 
• Establish a change control process. 

From advanced physical security systems to home automation, knowing the basics helps homeowners and property managers optimize their facilities. If you are in the market for a licensed low-voltage wiring partner that will provide you with quality service, we can help.

Here is a list of common types of low voltage wiring:

• Cat5e
• Cat6
• Cat6a
• Cat7
• Fiber Optic (Single-Mode)
• Fiber Optic (Multi-Mode)
• Coaxial Cable
• HDMI
• Speaker Wire
• Ethernet Cable
• Telephone Cable (RJ11)
• RJ45
• Fiber Patch Cable
• USB Cables
• Low Voltage Lighting Wire
• Access Control Wiring
• Alarm System Wiring
• CCTV Wiring (Coaxial or Ethernet)
• Audio/Video Cable (Composite, Component, HDMI)
• Control Wiring (for Automation Systems)
• Thermostat Wiring (Low Voltage)
• Intercom Wiring
• Paging System Wiring
• PoE (Power over Ethernet)
• Twisted Pair Cable
• S/FTP Shielded Cable
• RS-232 Serial Cable
• PoE Cabling
• Low Voltage Power Cable

These types of low voltage wiring are essential in various applications, including networking, telecommunications, home automation, audio-visual systems, and security.