The Difference between High, Medium and Low Voltage

We hear the term ‘voltage’ often when talking about electricity. In simpler terms, voltage is described as the ability to cause electricity to flow and run electronic devices.

The voltages have multiple ranges to operate electric appliances at different levels. Nevertheless, to determine which voltage is best suited for various operations, it is essential to understand the difference between high voltage, medium voltage, and low voltage.

Therefore, we will discuss the various voltage ranges and their differences in this section. Make sure you stick around until the end to learn the best voltage range for your home appliances.

Part 1: What Is Considered Low Voltage?

Now the basic question arises, what is low voltage? Low voltages are generally defined as those below 1000 V. Despite the fact that the low voltage range appears to be safer yet, it is necessary to take precautions while dealing with electricity. Mismanagement can result in numerous accidents and cause damage.

The low voltages are mostly used domestically, where the range of 100 to 240 V of supply is transferred to run all the electronic appliances at home. However, commercial areas also utilize low voltage ranges.

Part 2: What Is Considered Medium Voltage?

Medium voltage ranges vary with different supply companies but the typical range is above 1 kV to 100 kV. Medium supply voltages are frequently used in factories and large industrial complexes that require an extensive amount of electrical energy.

Generally, Industries use their own power supply of medium voltage systems. They have primary and secondary substations from which power distribution occurs throughout the facility.

Part 3: What Is Considered High Voltage?

High voltage ranges above 100 kV to 345 kV. High voltage is used to transmit power directly from a power plant because it increases transmission efficiency over a greater distance. High voltage has specific rules that must be followed in order to meet the safety requirements.

In addition, a variety of transformers are used to convert high voltage into low voltage for home power distribution.

Part 4: The Main Differences between High, Medium, and Low Voltage

We have already discussed the differences between low, medium, and high voltages in the previous sections. In this section, we will discuss the main differences between high, medium, and low voltages through different definitions.

Voltage Ranges

The voltage range varies because businesses and homes only require a small amount of bulk power. Power transformers can be found on top of poles or substations all over the low-voltage distribution network. They are used to convert high voltage into the medium or low voltage range. These transformers are in charge of increasing or decreasing the voltage.

For example, if the voltage is too high for a certain device, it will short-circuit the device or if the voltage is too low, it will malfunction easily. That is why the right voltage range helps in operating different appliances without causing damage or complexity in operation.

In addition, if we talk about high voltage vs medium voltage, we find that high voltage ranges start at 100 kV and go all the way up to 345 kV, while medium voltage ranges start at 1 kV and go all the way up to 100 kV.

As for low voltage, its range is below 1000 volts which is much safer as compared to medium or high voltages but still needs precautions.

Applications

First, we will discuss the difference between low-voltage vs medium voltage applications. Low voltages are used for various applications in residential areas. Some examples are:
● Electronic Home Appliances
● Doorbells
● Security sensors

Nevertheless, due to their increased power consumption, medium voltages are utilized in commercial settings for the following:
● Hospitals
● Refineries
● Pharmaceutical Industries
● Chemical Industries

Likewise, high voltages are used in transmitting high voltage electrical energy over long distances with extremely low chances of power loss and it also increases efficiency. Additionally, high voltage is also required to operate high-power equipment that is used in medical or industrial settings.

High voltage is used in energy storage box systems that have high voltage (HV) storage capacity which is highly in demand nowadays. You can’t afford to lose power for no reason, and these high-voltage batteries are perfect for both commercial and home storage.

Moreover, they can easily run heavy appliances, like electric cars, and have a higher discharge rate than low-voltage batteries.

Safety Measures

Safety measures must be taken when working with any kind of electricity, whether it’s a high voltage, medium voltage, or low voltage.

Even though low voltage is regarded as significantly safer than medium or high voltage, it is just as essential to take precautions when working with low voltage equipment.

For example, testing of equipment is done in low-voltage devices when they are in operation. In these circumstances, workers must be qualified enough to perform the work. They must know the safety procedures to handle low voltage to avoid mishaps.

As for medium and high voltage, there is a higher risk of electric shock as well as it can cause extreme damage to working capacity in these high voltage areas. To prevent that, it is always advised to wear safety gloves, face shields, and safety shoes. Also, follow the company’s safety guidelines to avoid any damage.

Additionally, high voltage is thought to be extremely harmful to living things. The NFPA 70E standard states that even voltages greater than 50 are considered high and should be handled with caution. The severity of an electrical injury depends on the voltage applied and the amount of time spent in contact with it. Therefore, when dealing with a high-voltage electric supply, it is always recommended to take precautions.

Cables and Equipment

There are low and high-voltage electrical cables and equipment. Medium voltage cables and equipment comes under the same category of high voltage.

For example, low-voltage cables are usually used for smaller electronic devices such as mobiles and laptop chargers. They are intended to convey a low flow. That implies they present a lesser degree of electrical shock.

Medium or high-voltage cables and equipment are designed for heavy machinery operation used in industries. They have a greater risk of electric shock because they possess high voltage. However, they are more efficient in carrying electrical power to a long distance.

Danger and Arc Generation

When working with electricity, you need to be extra careful because there’s always a chance of getting an electric shock, which can hurt.

Any voltage range can result in arc flash. This can happen when there are gaps in the electrical path or the voltage is too high for the system. It has the potential to explode and cause severe harm to human life.

Because of the high fault currents, low voltages have a higher risk of arc flash. However, extreme caution is required when working with medium and high voltages, which also poses a greater threat to arc flash.

Transmission

To move electricity from one location to another, high voltage is required because transmitting electrical energy over long distances with high voltage is efficient.

In most cases, the high voltage is then distributed and reduced by transformers into medium voltage for industrial use and low voltage for home use.

Cost

The low voltage is significantly less expensive than the medium or high voltage. The cost of low voltage depends on the kind of cables used, but it is easier to install.

Then again, medium or high voltage contains more energy and subsequently needs additional links and protection, that is the reason it is more costly than low voltage.

Part 5: What is The Best Voltage for a House?

Generally, the power supply range of 100 to 220V voltage is transmitted for household use. Depending on supply and load conditions, the 24-hour average voltage should be 120 volts and the range between 117 and 123 volts provides better performance most of the time. This range falls under the category of the low voltage range. Hence, low voltage is the best voltage for household usage.

Part 6: Conclusion

Different voltages serve different purposes. It is always recommended to take precautions when dealing with electricity regardless of any voltage range. However, high or medium voltage requires extra safety measures.

High-voltage energy storage systems have become a necessity for basic household work. They are used to transform high voltage into low voltage to run your daily household appliances and provide the best results.

Why choose ETEKWARE High Voltage Home Energy Storage System:

Many people around the world are opting for an energy storage system to get rid of power outages and expensive billing because the power supply is a vital need. Therefore, our ETEKWARE high-voltage home energy storage system is providing the best results for daily household use and commercial purposes.

Therefore, to resolve all your power supply issues, try our fully compatible back power system. You’ll never regret your decision after choosing Etekware high-voltage home energy storage system as it offers the following remarkable benefits:
● We have highly efficient storage systems.
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