Low voltage
In electrical engineering low voltage is a relative term, the definition varying by context. Different definitions are used in electric power transmission and distribution, and electrical safety codes define "low voltage" circuits that are exempt from the protection required at higher voltages. These definitions vary by country and specific codes or regulations.
IEC Definition
| IEC voltage range | AC RMS voltage (V) |
DC voltage (V) | Defining risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| High voltage | > 1 000 | > 1 500 | Electrical arcing |
| Low voltage | 50 to 1 000 | 120 to 1 500 | Electrical shock |
| Extra-low voltage | < 50 | < 120 | Low risk |
The International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) defines supply system low voltage as voltage in the range 50 to 1000 V AC or 120 to 1500 V DC.
In electrical power systems low voltage most commonly refers to the mains voltages as used by domestic and light industrial and commercial consumers. "Low voltage" in this context still presents a risk of electric shock, but only a minor risk of electric arcs through the air.
UK
- British Standard BS 7671:2008 defines supply system low voltage as:
- 50 to 1000 VAC or 120 to 1500 V ripple-free DC between conductors;
- 50 to 600 VAC or 120 to 900 V ripple-free DC between conductors and Earth.
USA
In electrical power distribution, the United States 2005 National Electrical Code (NEC) defines low (distribution system) voltage as 0 to 49 volts. Low distribution system voltage is covered by Article 725 of this code.
The NFPA standard 79 article 6.4.1.1 defines distribution protected extralow voltage (PELV) as nominal voltage of 30 Vrms or 60 VDC ripple free for dry locations and 6 Vrms or 15 VDC in all other cases.
UL standard 508A article 43 (Table 43.1) defines 0 to 20 V peak/ 5 A or 20.1 to 42.4 V peak/ 100 VA as Low-Voltage Limited Energy circuits.