If you’re a homeowner, chances are you’ve recently been to a home improvement store and seen the endless options for electrical supplies. You might find yourself standing in front of an aisle full of outlets, switches, and wiring, wondering what on Earth all these products do — low voltage or line voltage?
Don’t worry–you’re not alone! In this blog post, we’ll give you an overview of both types of electricity so that you can make informed decisions about which type best suits your needs next time you’re making purchases at the store.
Know How Electricity Comes To Your Home
Many people may not be familiar with the electricity running through their household and have no idea which form of electric power is powering their home. Electricity is supplied in two different ways: line voltage and low voltage. The best way to distinguish between these types of electricity is by measuring the amount of electric potential or voltage.
Line voltage produces a higher energy level than low voltage and requires more wiring for installation purposes. Knowing your home’s type of electricity can help protect you from any hazardous wiring situation or electrical fire risk.
Pros And Cons Low Voltage and Line Voltage
Now that you understand the differences between line and low voltage let’s look at each in more detail.
Low Voltage
Low voltage (24-volt AC) is a relatively safe form of electricity and requires only two wires for installation. Its main advantages are that it’s both cost-effective and easy to install; most fixtures will not require additional junction boxes or connections. Low voltage lighting offers excellent illumination but is sometimes limited in wattage output.
Line Voltage
On the other hand, line voltage (usually 120-volt AC) produces higher energy levels than low voltage. It also requires more wiring when installing fixtures as it’s heavier gauge wire and requires junction boxes or other connections. On the plus side, line voltage offers greater wattage output than low-voltage lighting fixtures and is more cost-effective in the long run.
Get An Electrical Service Solution Here
Now that you better understand both types of electric power, you’re ready to choose which type best meets your needs. Are you looking for an electrical contractor near me? If you are unsure about where to start with any home electrical project, be sure to reach out to our professional electricians at Hill Electrical Construction for help and advice. Our team will love to answer any questions you may have. Book a consultation today!
Your circuit panel plays an important role in your electrical system. It’s mainly responsible for electricity distribution throughout the building or house by connecting different circuit breakers. It is also the main shut-off point in an electrical emergency. This is why it is important to ensure that your circuit panel is up-to-date and can handle the current load.