We are so accustomed to all the benefits of civilization: we don’t have much idea how to quickly heat water without an electric kettle, wash a large amount of laundry, vacuum it, or can single people not watch TV? We receive current (220 W) through ordinary wires, thereby ensuring normal functioning of us. But there are electrical appliances and systems for the operation of which does not require maximum voltage. For such devices, other wires are brought together, which are collectively called the "low-current system."
What is a low current system?
Existing low-current system which is also called information, provides the flow of current for objects that transmit certain information to a person: the Internet, cable TV, video surveillance, telephony, any kind of alarm, various video pipelines. In such systems, the current voltage is in the range from 12 to 24 volts. Such currents are also, unlike power, called information.
What should be low-current systems
The main requirements for low current networks are:
- High reliability - although the currents have a small force, we should not forget about safety in any case. Cables must be connected and wired in accordance with all safety rules, insulated and inaccessible to many people.
- Correct work - during installation, a low-current system should be checked for various errors and failures. It takes into account both the electrical part and the automatic.
- Scale - since such systems are installed in rooms with different quadrature, they should easily reach any corner of the house or office. To do this, you need to calculate the cable footage in advance, think about where and how the objects involved in providing information to the person will stand.
- Low cost - these systems are distinguished by their ease of installation and use. Due to the correctly selected connection place, the number of network objects, you can save money that could go to the cable meters.
Types of Information Networks
As already mentioned, there are many objects that serve us, which are fed from a low-current system. The wires connected to the systems perform their functions in order to help users to live more comfortably and more peacefully. According to their purpose, they are divided into:
- Household systems. These are connected items that we use every day - television, telephony, intercom, Internet, radio, alarm. Today, all these networks are more or less relevant to us. Using a cable, we can keep abreast of all events in our native country and beyond. Telephone wires provide the ability to communicate and connect to the Internet. The network for video surveillance helps to reproduce the picture and sound unhindered, which is very important for the control and surveillance workers. At the same time, cameras can be connected both small and large, powerful. Indispensable in private possessions is also a low-current system that provides alerts in case of illegal entry of someone or a fire - it is called an alarm. Here, special sensors are connected to the wires that are triggered by an open circuit or movement.
- Commercial systems. These include: telephony, the Internet, various types of alarms, local area networks, automatic metering of energy resources, intercoms, and some structured cable systems. Low current systems provide uninterrupted operation for commercial establishments. Low-current systems in offices are serviced by specialists working directly in this organization or in specialized companies.
What do the systems consist of?
Systems designed for a specific task are equipped differently.
- Local computer networks combine the work of several objects and means for exchanging information. This can be coordinated simultaneous operation of a modem, printer, saved files, programs to protect information from hacking, network databases, and so on.
- Structured cabling systems (SCS) provide the ease and speed of operation of all constituent elements. When the design of low-voltage systems occurs, specialists make sure that SCS accommodate various networks: information, security, fire, telephone, as well as the necessary equipment for them.
- In telephony, low-current systems provide automation of telephone exchanges. It creates reliable communication between subscribers through cable networks and special programs.
- No one thought about the fact that world time is also provided by low-current clockification systems. Here, the main element is a master watch and a secondary watch. World time is monitored by only one atomic clock, which is ultra-precise. Through a signal to the GPS satellite, they transmit the exact time to a radio receiver that is closely connected with the master clock. Through broadcasting, we know the time and already set it on the secondary clock.
What are the benefits of low current systems?
A correctly created project of low-current systems allows us to use information without feeling any inconvenience. On the contrary, with the development of science, we have made our life and access to information so easy that we can already get what we want with one hand. Networks give us the opportunity to watch satellite TV uninterruptedly, with the help of them we have access to telephone communications, the Internet, and radio. In addition, using networks, you can control access to objects by installing gates and barriers, feel safe by installing a fire and burglar alarm system, as well as video surveillance. Such systems fill the basic human needs, because safety is, first of all, confidence in the future and peace.
Compliance with cable routing
Since laying cables is a serious and unsafe business, you need to carefully plan and calculate where they will go. In addition to engineering and design work, it is necessary to take into account the basic rules for laying. The main and main rule is the separation of power cables from low-current information networks. In addition, localized electromagnetic interference must be avoided. If these rules are not taken into account, power wires will impede the continuous operation of objects that provide low-current engineering systems. For proper cabling, there are basic regulatory documents where all the nuances are painted step by step.
How to mount a network?
Experts know that even before laying the network cables, its project must be prepared. It clearly needs to indicate the location of the low-current shield, relays, sockets, and some other nodes of the system. Particular attention is also paid to approved standards and rules for pulling and securing cables. Work as an installer of low-current systems It implies a deep knowledge of the required cable sizes, its types, sockets for connecting wires to objects transmitting information, and to the network.
It is necessary to precisely observe the distance between the power and low-current cables - at least 0.5 m, and they should be located in parallel. Cables should be used only solid, splicing is unacceptable. It sometimes happens that it is already impossible to put the cables in a hidden wiring, so the network wires must be 15 mm away from the telephone cable (if the length is 10 m). You should always remember that the network wiring must be protected from various weather events and damage. The junction box is also located in the right place, further from openings, windows and doors. All low-current cables must be earthed using a special bus, which consists of copper conductors.
Types of cables during installation
For each information device, different types of cables are used. Telephony operation is provided by a network of category 3 cables. Uninterrupted operation of computer networks occurs through the use of fiber optic cables of categories 5 and 6. The brand of wires is also important. When choosing a specific cable, you need to consider the scope of its application, composition, technical characteristics, fire safety.
Who can design and install low-current systems?
Naturally, not every person can mount low-current systems. Moscow is replete with good specialists in this industry. Qualified workers will lay the network efficiently and competently, because the connection, the durability of the systems, the reliability of the signal transmission, and the safety of the equipment in use depend on this.