What is low voltage?

Low voltage is an electrical term that identifies safety considerations of an electricity supply system based on the amount of voltage used in a particular appliance, lighting fixture, etc.. Most low voltage systems operate everything from a doorbell to a thermostat that controls your air conditioning and heating in your home. While different definitions exist for the exact voltage range covered by "low voltage", the most commonly used ones include "mains voltage". "Low voltage" is characterized by carrying a substantial risk of electric shock, but only a minor risk of electric arcs through the air.

How Safe is Low Voltage?

A 1995 study reported on seven instances of "low voltage" electrocutions, all occurring under conditions of high temperature and humidity, at voltages as low as 24 a-c and 36 d-c.

OSHA has done some research into European practice. In some countries the safe "touch voltage" voltage limit has been set as low as 35, and 24-25 in others (including France). In Canada, the Canadian Electrical Code defines "extra low voltage" as "up to and including 30 volts," and national health and safety regulations consider that voltage as the worker safety threshold.

The danger varies, of course, with the nature of the body contact. Tabulations based on the IEC documents are shown in the accompanying table (previous page).

The values varied for "salt- water- wet" (sweaty) skin, and with the size of the contact area. Allowable touch voltages increase rapidly as contact time is shortened.

The paper concluded that "a person with sweaty skin making medium body contact between 36 and 49 volts could suffer ventricular fibrillation." The author has therefore suggested it would be ''prudent to lower the shock hazard threshold in NFPA 7OE to at least that of Class 2 circuits (30 V), if not lower." ("Class 2 circuits" are low-power signaling and control circuits, defined in NEC Article 725, with voltage limited to between 25 and 30.)

When considering either the risk of arcing, or the risk of shock and possible electrocution, no one working with electricity can afford to be complacent.

Below is a list of examples of low voltage ambiance lighting in and around your home.

• Low Voltage Linear Lighting

• Low Voltage Rail Lighting

• Low Voltage Disk Lighting

• Recessed Lighting

• Landscape Lighting

• Glass & Shades

• Ambiance Bulbs

• 120v Transitions

Are you in need of low voltage work? If so, let our licensed electricians help you. All our electricians have extensive experience in residential low voltage electrical work. Don't risk trying to do-it-yourself when you can have an expert do it for you. Feel confident knowing that we can get the job done right the first time around.

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