In the world of constant connectivity, businesses and homes need a way to transmit data quickly via phone, audio, and the internet. Cellular and wireless technology have made these things more accessible.
Let us explore the fundamentals of low voltage cabling, its applications, benefits, and considerations for implementation in modern infrastructure projects.
Have a network installation project?
Get A Free Quote
Low voltage cable (also called structured cabling or network wiring) is a setup of cables and wiring designed to transmit electrical signals at levels typically below 50 volts.
Low voltage wiring consists of twisted pair cables that carry data signals. These low-voltage wires are enclosed in a cable covering to protect them and prevent crosstalk.
Overall, low-voltage cables create an electrical network foundation through which digital technology within a building functions. Low voltage cables are used for telephone communication, internet, garage door opener controls, landscape lighting, and even low voltage lights (low voltage lighting).
Low voltage wiring and cabling transmit data and electrical signals at lower voltages than standard electrical wiring. The cable type is commonly used for various applications such as an internet network, telecommunications, security, and audiovisual equipment.
The fiber optic cables are designed to carry low voltage signals efficiently while minimizing signal interference and reducing the risk of electrical hazards.
Safely install structured cabling that consists of twisted pairs of wires, coaxial cables, or fiber optic cables, each tailored to specific needs and environments. Proper installation and configuration ensure reliable data transmission of signals for different devices and systems.
The name suggests how low-voltage wiring differs from high-voltage wiring. Standard power outlets carry high-voltage cabling (120V in the United States and Canada). Most lighting fixtures, cable outlets, electronics, and appliances are in high voltage cabling, drawing up to 120V.
The standard circuits in commercial buildings are high-voltage, but there are circumstances when low-voltage products and devices are better.
Here are a few of those situations:
Telephone: Many businesses still rely on wired phone systems connected to low-voltage wiring. Businesses need quick connectivity between multiple floors and departments; low-voltage wire can facilitate that. Fiber optic cabling or ethernet cable is traditionally used for telephone communication.
Cable Television: Many organizations like restaurants, offices with multiple meeting rooms, and hospitals subscribe to cable TV across multiple screens. Video delivery services are provided with coaxial or fiber optic cable.
Audio: Intercom systems, security camera speakers, and surround sound are a few reasons businesses may need audio capabilities. Speakers can be put in any room with coaxial and speaker wires.
Security And Surveillance: All businesses want to protect their employees and property. They can either use wireless cameras or a wired surveillance system. Wireless security cameras may be more convenient, but large buildings (vertically or horizontally) may have range issues with wireless. Surveillance uses Cat6 cabling for IP, network, and analog cameras.
Computers: Companies utilize data cables and networks for various tasks, including communicating with people, devices, and IP management. Behind most computers, you’ll find Cat5, 6, or 7 network cables connected with an RJ45.
Remember that none of these power infrastructural technologies require low-voltage wiring. However, in most cases (when the infrastructure allows it), low-voltage wiring is superior.
Wireless networks are getting faster every year, but they still can’t compete with the speed and coverage of low-voltage wiring.
Those aren’t the only benefits of low-voltage wiring.
Here are a few more:
Also, find out the Best Structured Cabling Companies.
Cable is the medium through which information and data move from a separate network device to another. More than a few types of low-voltage cables are used in LANs.
Cat5e, the current industry standard for unshielded twisted-pair cabling (UTP), can support up to 100/1,000 Megabits (Mbps) at 350 Hz bandwidth. Cat5 and Cat5e Ethernet cables are unshielded and used to carry video and telephone signals. These cables connect computers, VoIP phones, computer networks, automation networks, video/audio, and more.
Cat5 and Cat6 may seem the same, but they differ simply because Cat6 is the new and improved version of Cat5. Cat6 has more twists per cm than Cat5, supporting faster data transfer. They are also better at limiting crosstalk and system noise, which is beneficial since most low-voltage wires exist alongside many other electrical wires originating in the exact location.
A coaxial cable is a cable used to transmit internet, video, television, and voice data. It’s made of aluminum, copper, and an outer plastic jacket, providing protection from electromagnetic interference. The copper core allows the coaxial cable to transmit information over long distances.
Fun fact: Coaxial cable was one of the first cables used as ethernet cable, although it no longer serves that purpose.
C-wire or standard wire connects low-voltage heating systems to thermostats carrying continuous power. Most newer HVAC systems have C-wires with double shield or quad shield, making them compatible with smart thermostats.
What factors should I consider when selecting low-voltage cabling for my project?
When selecting low-voltage cabling for your project, it’s crucial to consider factors such as compatibility with your systems, the capacity to handle your expected data or power loads, and the durability of the cables to withstand environmental conditions and usage demands.
Correct cabling is important because it is more delicate than a standard wiring network. If the structured wiring system is installed correctly,
Can low-voltage cabling be used for both residential and commercial applications?
Low-voltage cabling is highly versatile and suitable for various applications, including residential, a multifamily apartment complex, multiple facilities, data centers, or business settings.
Low voltage installation offers flexibility and efficiency to meet diverse needs, whether for home networking, office telecommunications, security systems with two or four conductors, or industrial automation.
Businesses that need fast communication between devices can benefit from low-voltage wiring. By facilitating the power transmission of electrical signals below 50 volts, low voltage cable enables the seamless operation of various devices and systems, ranging from telecommunications networks to security and automation systems.
Upgrade your connectivity today with our professional low-voltage cabling services! Whether you need to enhance your separate low-voltage network, improve security systems, or optimize low-voltage setups, The Network Installers can be your trusted partner.
Our experienced technicians ensure seamless installation and reliable performance for all your low-voltage needs.
Have a network installation project?
Get A Free Quote
Creating a great presentation is about more than just making sure your content is in perfect condition. Presenters that want to create effective presentations no matter the venue or audience size will need to carry the right presentation equipment with them at all times, ensuring they can work in any venue at any time.
However, it can be tricky to understand what equipment you need for your business presentations. Don’t worry; we’re here to help. We’ve compiled this guide to 12 essential business presentation equipment so you can take your presentations to the next level!
Sign up to our newsletter
To create an appealing presentation, you must use the right AV equipment. Getting your hands on the right equipment will allow you to create a dynamic presentation that boosts engagement and leaves your audience craving more from your business.
Having the correct equipment also helps you accommodate larger audiences in different venue sizes. This can help you be a lot more flexible with your presenting schedule, which can result in more business opportunities.
The best way to choose the right audio-visual equipment is to consider your presentation goals and audience size. Your audience size will dictate how extensive you need your supporting AV equipment list to be.
For example, if you’re presenting to hundreds of attendees in a large-scale conference, you’ll definitely need a microphone and a comprehensive sound system. However, if you’re presenting in a small conference room to a select number of colleagues, you probably won’t need to use speakers and microphones!
Your engagement goals will also dictate what equipment you need. For example, if engagement is one of your priorities, then you should choose visual equipment to take your production value to another level!
Here’s 12 things that you’ll need for a successful business presentation:
One of the first things you’ll need to include in your business presentation list is a portable speaker.
If you’re presenting in unknown locations on a regular basis, it’s good to bring a portable speaker to account for any venues that might not have access to AV equipment.
With a portable speaker, you can ensure that all of your audience will hear your valuable input, no matter the acoustics!
Wired microphones make it very difficult to interact with your audience and transport them between locations. So, we recommend using wireless microphones for your business presentations. These are essential pieces of equipment if you’re presenting in an environment that doesn’t carry sound well and catering to anyone with hearing impairment.
Wireless microphones allow you to move freely around your presenting venue, facilitating more audience interaction and engagement.
Although simple, flip charts are a great piece of equipment for your presentation. Suppose an audience member makes an amazing suggestion for a product that you want to note down. In that case, you can use a flip chart to note down audience contributions for all your audience to see to make the experience more interactive.
Flip charts are also a must for smaller-scale business presentations, as your presentation is likely to spark group brainstorming sessions. With a flip chart, you can easily map out ideas that you can take to your next presentation for inspiration.
Having the right video screen and visual technology is a big part of staging an effective business presentation. Your choice of video screen will also have a big impact on your engagement levels, so it’s important to choose a dynamic video display method that engages and excites your audience.
We recommend using a video wall as your primary visual communication method. This wall consisting of multiple monitors is a great way to communicate a high volume of information with ease.
With a video wall, you can separate individual monitors and stream snippets of content in a digestible yet engaging manner. We think this is far more effective than relying on standard interactive whiteboards!
The video wall controller is a must-have for any presenter wanting to use a Windows operating system with a desktop on their video wall. With a video wall controller, you can manage input signals from HDMI, DVI and SDI sources that then transmit to multiple monitors across your video wall.
You can easily control your video wall layout with a controller by dragging and dropping content across the screen into your desired position. We think this is a must for all AV presentation projects!
A video wall matrix switcher is perfect for any presenter looking for an all-in-one solution. This control box processes input and output signals while seamlessly switching between different input signals.
This system is a must for any presenter managing a demanding AV project, as it provides a single interface for multiple functions. You can also generate fade in and out effects with this switcher, making it the perfect tool for making your presentation more dynamic for your audience.
A video wall processor is a great way to increase your presentation’s production value. A video wall processor is a control box that transforms video signals from HDMI sources into viewable content.
Processors help presenters control their video wall layout by displaying footage over video wall screens, no matter the size or video wall positioning. Processors also allow presenters to create impressive effects like streaming background videos with accompanying text or images, seamless switching and fading in and out.
This can have a positive impact on your audience engagement.
Most audio-visual equipment uses HDMI cables to transmit video signals from the source to the screen. Although necessary, it’s easy to lose a HDMI cable, which can have a devastating impact on your presentation, especially if you routinely use video presentation systems like controllers or processors.
It’s always best to pack a few extra HDMI cables into your bag before heading to a venue. This will mean you can adapt to their AV equipment availability and account for any lost or left-behind HDMI cables from your previous presenting gig!
If you’re a presenter on the go, you’ll understand the frustration of having inconsistent visual systems to display your presentation. However, there’s a pretty easy and affordable solution to this.
Portable projectors are a great way of packing a cinematic experience into a relatively small box. With a portable projector, you can use any blank wall in any venue to stream your content, meaning a lack of visual equipment does not restrict you if you’re presenting in an ill-equipped venue.
Part of creating a seamless presentation is having complete control over your presentation progress, speed and what your video wall displays. Although, this can be tricky if you’re also trying to walk around your presentation space to interact with your audience.
If you don’t want to rely on a lighting, audio and visual technician to control your presentation slides, you can use a wireless remote, also known as a ‘clicker’.
A clicker is a great way to control the speed of your presentation while maintaining full flexibility to walk around your presentation space and interact with your audience. With a clicker, you can discreetly move your presentation forwards and backwards while maintaining full eye contact with your audience. This also gives your presentation a much more professional look!
This one's for presenters that flit between venues on a near-daily basis. You might need to use a keyword to switch between slides, navigate Windows desktops from your video wall controller, and interact with your presentation content during your presentation.
However, carrying around clunky wired keywords can interrupt a seamless display and limit your flexibility around your stage. It can also make it very difficult when traveling in between venues.
We recommend using a small wireless keyboard for your presentations to combat this. This is a great way to have more control over your presentations while retaining a seamless look and having more mobility around your stage.
When you’re a presenter on the go, and you regularly travel to different locations, you’ll know that not every venue has compatible equipment for your presenting technology. Although this can be incredibly annoying and potentially very stressful, using adaptors is an easy way of ensuring you can continue your regularly scheduled presenting program.
Using an HDMI, VGA or DVI adaptor is a great way to ensure your technology, like your portable projector or speaker, can easily connect to your venue’s AV equipment. This relatively inexpensive bit of kit can save you a lot of time and ensure you can quickly adapt to any new set-up that uses alternating outputs.
If you’re regularly using video wall matrix switchers, processors and controllers, this is a must for your presenting kit!
Sign up to our newsletter
At Dexon, we aim to take your presentations to the next level, so that’s why we provide an amazing stock of high-quality video matrix switchers, processors and controllers. Our equipment is the perfect remedy for any presenter wanting to boost their engagement level and transform their presentations into a cinematic experience for their audience.
For versatile AV equipment that is perfect for every presentation, check out our product family where you can find your perfect controller, processor or switcher!