High and low voltage
As far as electricity is concerned, there are two types: high voltage and low voltage. High voltage usually refers to a voltage that is higher than the standard or common voltage level, while low voltage, on the contrary, refers to a voltage that is lower than the standard or common voltage level. For example, 110V or 220V alternating current is considered low voltage, while alternating current or direct current of thousands to hundreds of thousands of volts is considered high voltage. Both have unique uses and forms of electricity, but they have different applications. Low voltage is typically used in automotive, marine and aircraft applications. It is also used in telecommunications, audio/video, security systems, and household appliances such as hair dryers and hoovers. High voltage is used in power generation, transmission and distribution applications. It is also used in electrical equipment such as motors, generators, transformers, and medical applications such as X-ray and MRI machines.
Dangers of High and Low Voltage
The downside of high voltage is that it can be dangerous if not handled properly. Therefore, if you are working with high voltage, it is critical that you take the proper safety measures.
At high voltages, current conduction is enhanced and high voltages tend to break through insulation, resulting in short circuits or damage to equipment, so contact with high voltage circuits can result in serious shock injuries, even fatal. While shock injuries may not be as severe at low voltages as at high voltages, they can still cause injury, especially if the current passes through the heart or other critical areas. At low voltages, equipment can overheat due to electrical faults, overloads, or short circuits, causing fires.
As a result, low voltages are more likely to cause electric shocks, while high voltages can cause severe burns.
Production costs of high voltage systems:
Material Costs: High voltage systems require the use of special materials capable of withstanding high voltages, such as insulating materials, conductors, insulators, etc., which tend to be more expensive.
Equipment design and manufacturing costs: The design and manufacture of high-voltage systems require higher technical requirements and process levels, often requiring the use of more complex equipment and production processes, thus increasing production costs.
Safety Costs: Due to the greater risk associated with high voltage systems, additional safety measures and equipment are required to ensure the safety of operators, which can also increase production costs.
Testing and certification costs: Higher voltage equipment is often subject to more stringent testing and certification procedures to ensure that it meets the relevant safety and performance standards, which can also add to production costs.
Production costs for low voltage systems:
Materials Costs: Materials required for low voltage systems typically include wires, switches, circuit breakers, receptacles, insulation, etc. These materials are relatively inexpensive compared to high voltage systems. These materials are less expensive than those for higher voltage systems.
Equipment Design and Manufacturing Costs: Low voltage systems are relatively simple to design and manufacture, and therefore the design and manufacturing costs are generally low. However, complex LV systems, such as certain specific electronic equipment or control systems, may increase design and manufacturing costs.
Safety costs: Although LV systems are relatively less hazardous, there are still costs associated with safety that need to be taken into account, e.g. the use of safe designs and materials, the provision of necessary protective devices, etc.
Testing and certification costs: LV systems also need to be tested and certified to ensure that they comply with relevant safety and performance standards. The cost of testing and certification may have an impact on production costs.
The type of power you should use depends on your needs.
High voltage systems are usually used for high power transmission, such as in power transmission and industrial production. High voltage systems are more cost effective in the long run, especially for large power transmission projects. However, if you are only powering small equipment, for homes, commercial buildings or small-scale industrial applications, a low-voltage system is usually preferred as it is more suited to localised power needs.
In terms of safety, low voltage is less dangerous than high voltage. However, both types of electricity can be dangerous if not handled properly. This is why it is important to take proper safety measures no matter which type you use.
Producing high voltage is more expensive than producing low voltage. Therefore, if cost is a factor, then low voltage may be the better choice.
Before making a choice, be sure to consider all of these factors and weigh and evaluate them on a case-by-case basis. The final voltage level chosen should be able to meet the needs of the project while striking the best balance of safety, reliability and economy.