What are Extra-Low Voltage Systems (ELV)?

Extra-Low Voltage means the voltage of electricity supply is in a range that is low
enough that it does not carry any high risk of any high voltage electrical shock(s).

The range of voltage that can be classified as Extra-Low Voltage is alternating current
not exceeding 50 V AC and direct current not exceeding 120 V DC (ripple free). This is
based on the standards as per EN 61558 or BS 7671.

Therefore, Extra-Low Voltage Systems are any electrical systems that can operate on a
low voltage with the voltage criteria as per above.

Use of SELV (Safety Extra-Low Voltage)

Safety by extra low voltage SELV is used in situations where the operation of
electrical equipment presents a serious hazard (swimming pools, amusement
parks, etc.). This measure depends on supplying power at extra-low voltage from
the secondary windings of isolating transformers especially designed according
to national or to international (IEC 60742) standard. The impulse withstand level
of insulation between the primary and secondary windings is very high, and/or an
earthed metal screen is sometimes incorporated between the windings.

The secondary voltage never exceeds 50 V rms.

Three conditions of exploitation must be respected in order to provide

satisfactory fault protection:

 No live conductor at SELV must be connected to earth

 Exposed-conductive-parts of SELV supplied equipment must not be
connected to earth, to other exposed conductive parts, or to extraneous-
conductive-parts
 All live parts of SELV circuits and of other circuits of higher voltage must
be separated by a distance at least equal to that between the primary and
secondary windings of a safety isolating transformer.

These measures require that:

 SELV circuits must use conduits exclusively provided for them, unless
cables which are insulated for the highest voltage of the other circuits are
used for the SELV circuits
 Socket outlets for the SELV system must not have an earth-pin contact.

The SELV circuit plugs and sockets must be special, so that inadvertent
connection to a different voltage level is not possible.
Note: In normal conditions, when the SELV voltage is less than 25 V, there is no
need to provide protection against direct contact hazards. Particular
requirements are indicated in Requirements applicable to special installations
and locations.

Use of PELV (Protection by Extra Low Voltage)

This system is for general use where low voltage is required, or preferred for
safety reasons, other than in the high-risk locations noted above. The conception
is similar to that of the SELV system, but the secondary circuit may earthed at
one point.

IEC 60364-4-41 defines precisely the significance of the reference PELV.

Basic protection is generally necessary, except when the equipment is in the

zone of equipotential bonding, and the nominal voltage does not exceed 25 V
rms, and the equipment is used in normally dry locations only, and large-area
contact with the human body is not expected. In all other cases, 12 V rms is the
maximum permitted voltage, where no basic protection is provided.

FELV system (Functional Extra-Low Voltage)

Where, for functional reasons, a voltage of 50 V or less is used, but not all the
requirements relating to SELV or PELV are fulfilled, appropriate measures
described in IEC 60364-4-41 must be taken to ensure both basic and fault
protection, according to the location and use of these circuits.

Note: Such conditions may, for example, be encountered when the circuit
contains equipment (such as transformers, relays, remote-control switches,
contactors) insufficiently insulated with respect to circuits at higher voltages.

Components of ELV Systems

Closed Circuit Television System (CCTV)

Closed circuit television, also more commonly known as CCTV, is made up of a network of cameras
and recording systems that are connected to each other. This system would be classified as a
‘closed’ system as the system operates independently, unless it’s part of an ELV integrated system.
A CCTV system is an effective way to monitor and secure any sensitive area(s).

Currently, cameras can be connected either wired or wireless to a CCTV system. CCTVs are an
effective deterrence to any threats or area(s) that require constant offsite monitoring.
The key points in installing CCTV cameras is the positioning of the camera, to ensure that the
camera can monitor the required area in its scope of view as well as the clarity of the video footage
to ensure usability of the footage if necessary.

Access Control System – ACS

Access control systems are a key feature of any security system hub that can secure, monitor and
manage the access of staff in any type of building. With this system, staff can either be given access
cards or using fingerprints(biometric), they are able to be granted access to various areas of the
premises.

Nowadays, these systems ‘speak’ to each other wirelessly and usually connected to the local area
network to reduce hard wiring cost and flexibility of the positioning of the system itself. At times, the
access control system might be a part of a bigger integrated ELV system which allows central
control of multiple different systems.

Public Address and General Alarm System – PAGA

A public address system is a system that allows an amplification of your voice through microphones
and loudspeakers. Its purpose is to enhance the volume of human voice or any other sound for that
matter.

The general alarm system allows remote control of alarms and flashing lights(beacons).

Combined, this system would serve a general use of relaying information or be used in the case of
any emergency evacuations.
LAN and Telephone System

LAN stands for local-area network and is basically an interconnected computer network that usually
covers a small area. This network of computer/devices can be connected to each other via physical
wires called LAN cables or wirelessly (radio waves).

A telephone system is a group of interconnected telephones connected either via telephone lines or
via LAN cables which then communicate using ‘Voice over Internet Protocol’ or in short VoIP.
Trunk Radio System – TRS

A trunk radio system is a system whereby all available radio channels are placed in one single pool.
When for example person A requires to transmit, a channel is automatically picked from the pool and
used for person A’s transmission. Once the transmission is completed, the channel that person A
was using will be placed back into the pool for others to use.

This system is highly beneficial as radio channels are limited by nature as for example, if all radio
channels are taken up, we can’t physically or manually ‘create’ new channels. By using a trunk radio
system, it’s more efficient in a sense there is a higher chance a user will get access to an available
channel when required.

Fence Intrusion Detection System – FIDS

A fence intrusion detection system or FIDS for short is a security system whereby the key purpose of
this system is to be able to detect any breaches that occur on any perimeter fences.

There are multiple sensors installed on different parts of the fence so whenever an intrusion is
detected in a certain fenced area, if there is a CCTV nearby, the security personnel would be able to
angle the CCTV to view the intrusion if possible. If necessary, a physical check on the fence is
needed as well to ensure the security and integrity of the perimeter.
Master Clock System – MCS

A master clock system is an interconnected system of clocks whereby slave clocks would take
ference clock, also known as a master clock. These slave clocks would
reference of time from a reference
synchronize their time with the master clock. In this way, the time across both the master and slave
clocks would be the same.

The use of master clock systems can be used in a variety of industries such as for the IT sector and
military or anywhere that requires
requires an extremely high degree of time accuracy.
TERMINOLOGIES AND DEFINITION

Alternating Current (AC) — An electric current that reverses its direction many
times a second at regular intervals.

Ammeter — An instrument for measuring the flow of electrical current in

amperes. Ammeters are always connected in series with the circuit to be tested.

Ampacity — The maximum amount of electric current a conductor or device can

carry before sustaining immediate or progressive deterioration.

Ampere-Hour (Ah) — A unit of measure for battery capacity. It is obtained by

multiplying the current (in amperes) by the time (in hours) during which current
flows. For example, a battery which provides 5 amperes for 20 hours is said to
deliver 100 ampere - hours.

Ampere (A) — A unit of measure for the intensity of an electric current flowing in
a circuit. One ampere is equal to a current flow of one coulomb per second.

Apparent Power — Measured in volt-ampers (VA). Apparent power is the

product of the rms voltage and the rms current.

Armature — The movable part of a generator or motor. It is made up of

conductors which rotate through a magnetic field to provide voltage or force by
electromagnetic induction. The pivoted points in generator regulators are also
called armatures.

Capacitance — The ability of a body to store an electrical charge. Measured in

farads as the ratio of the electric charge of the object (Q, measured in coulombs)
to the voltage across the object (V, measured in volts).

Capacitor — A device used to store an electric charge, consisting of one or

more pairs of conductors separated by an insulator. Commonly used for filtering
out voltage spikes.

Circuit — A closed path in which electrons from a voltage or current source flow.
Circuits can be in series, parallel, or in any combination of the two.
Circuit Breaker — An automatic device for stopping the flow of current in an
electric circuit. To restore service, the circuit breaker must be reset (closed) after
correcting the cause of the overload or failure. Circuit breakers are used in
conjunction with protective relays to protect circuits from faults.

Conductor — Any material where electric current can flow freely. Conductive
materials, such as metals, have a relatively low resistance. Copper and
aluminum wire are the most common conductors.

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Corona — A corona discharge is an electrical discharge brought on by the

ionization of a fluid such as air surrounding a conductor that is electrically
charged. Spontaneous corona discharges occur naturally in high-voltage
systems unless care is taken to limit the electric field strength.

Current (I) — The flow of an electric charge through a conductor. An electric

current can be compared to the flow of water in a pipe. Measured in amperes.

Cycle — The change in an alternating electrical sine wave from zero to a positive
peak to zero to a negative peak and back to zero. See Frequency.

Demand — The average value of power or related quantity over a specified

period of time.

Dielectric constant — A quantity measuring the ability of a substance to store

electrical energy in an electric field.

Dielectric strength — The maximum electric field that a pure material can
withstand under ideal conditions without breaking down (i.e., without
experiencing failure of its insulating properties).

Diode — A semiconductor device with two terminals, typically allowing the flow
of current in one direction only. Diodes allow current to flow when the anode is
positive in relation to the cathode.

Direct Current (DC) — An electric current that flows in only one direction.

Electrolyte — Any substance which, in solution, is dissociated into ions and is

thus made capable of conducting an electrical current. The sulfuric acid - water
solution in a storage battery is an electrolyte.

Electromotive Force — (EMF) A difference in potential that tends to give rise to

an electric current. Measured in volts.
Electron — A tiny particle which rotates around the nucleus of an atom. It has a
negative charge of electricity.

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Electron theory — The theory which explains the nature of electricity and the
exchange of "free" electrons between atoms of a conductor. It is also used as
one theory to explain direction of current flow in a circuit.

Farad — A unit of measure for capacitance. One farad is equal to one coulomb
per volt.

Ferroresonance — (nonlinear resonance) a type of resonance in electric circuits

which occurs when a circuit containing a nonlinear inductance is fed from a
source that has series capacitance, and the circuit is subjected to a disturbance
such as opening of a switch. It can cause overvoltages and overcurrents in an
electrical power system and can pose a risk to transmission and distribution
equipment and to operational personnel.

Frequency — The number of cycles per second. Measured in Hertz. If a current

completes one cycle per second, then the frequency is 1 Hz; 60 cycles per
second equals 60 Hz.

Fuse — A circuit interrupting device consisting of a strip of wire that melts and
breaks an electric circuit if the current exceeds a safe level. To restore service,
the fuse must be replaced using a similar fuse with the same size and rating after
correcting the cause of failure.

Generator — A device which converts mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Ground — The reference point in an electrical circuit from which voltages are
measured, a common return path for electric current, or a direct physical
connection to the Earth.

Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCI) — A device intended for the

protection of personnel that functions to de-energize a circuit or portion thereof
within an established period of time when a current to ground exceeds some
predetermined value that is less than that required to operate the overcurrent
protective device of the supply circuit.

Henry — A unit of measure for inductance. If the rate of change of current in a

circuit is one ampere per second and the resulting electromotive force is one volt,
then the inductance of the circuit is one henry.
Hertz — A unit of measure for frequency. Replacing the earlier term of cycle per
second (cps).

Impedance — The measure of the opposition that a circuit presents to a current

when a voltage is applied. Impedance extends the concept of resistance to AC
circuits, and possesses both magnitude and phase, unlike resistance, which has
only magnitude.

Inductance — The property of a conductor by which a change in current flowing

through it induces (creates) a voltage (electromotive force) in both the conductor
itself (self-inductance) and in any nearby conductors (mutual inductance).
Measured in henry (H).

Inductor — A coil of wire wrapped around an iron core. The inductance is

directly proportional to the number of turns in the coil.

Insulator — Any material where electric current does not flow freely. Insulative
materials, such as glass, rubber, air, and many plastics have a relatively high
resistance. Insulators protect equipment and life from electric shock.

Inverter — An apparatus that converts direct current into alternating current.

Kilowatt-hour (kWh) — The product of power in kW and time in hours. Equal to

1000 Watt-hours. For example, if a 100W light bulb is used for 4 hours, 0.4kWhs
of energy will be used (100W x 1kW / 1000 Watts x 4 hours). Electrical energy is
sold in units of kWh.

Kilowatt-hour Meter — A device used to measure electrical energy use.

Kilowatt (kW) — Equal to 1000 watts.

Load — Anything which consumes electrical energy, such as lights,

transformers, heaters and electric motors.

Load Rejection — The condition in which there is a sudden load loss in the
system which causes the generating equipment to be over-frequency. A load
rejection test confirms that the system can withstand a sudden loss of load and
return to normal operating conditions using its governor. Load banks are normally
used for these tests as part of the commissioning process for electrical power
systems.

Mutual Induction — Occurs when changing current in one coil induces voltage
in a second coil.
Ohm — (Ω) A unit of measure of resistance. One ohm is equivilant to the
resistance in a circuit transmitting a current of one ampere when subjected to a
potential difference of one volt.

Ohm's Law — The mathematical equation that explains the relationship between
current, voltage, and resistance (V=IR).

Ohmmeter — An instrument for measuring the resistance in ohms of an

electrical circuit.

Open Circuit — An open or open circuit occurs when a circuit is broken, such as
by a broken wire or open switch, interrupting the flow of current through the
circuit. It is analogous to a closed valve in a water system.

Parallel Circuit — A circuit in which there are multiple paths for electricity to
flow. Each load connected in a separate path receives the full circuit voltage, and
the total circuit current is equal to the sum of the individual branch currents.

Piezoelectricity — Electric polarization in a substance (especially certain

crystals) resulting from the application of mechanical stress (pressure).

Polarity — A collective term applied to the positive (+) and negative ( - ) ends of
a magnet or electrical mechanism such as a coil or battery.

Power — The rate at which electrical energy is transferred by an electric circuit.

Measured in Watts.

Power Factor — The ratio of the actual electrical power dissipated by an AC

circuit to the product of the r.m.s. values of current and voltage. The difference
between the two is caused by reactance in the circuit and represents power that
does no useful work.

Protective Relay — A relay device designed to trip a circuit breaker when a fault
is detected.

Reactive Power — The portion of electricity that establishes and sustains the
electric and magnetic fields of AC equipment. Exists in an AC circuit when the
current and voltage are not in phase. Measured in VARS.

Rectifier — An electrical device that converts an alternating current into a direct

one by allowing a current to flow through it in one direction only.

Relay — An electrical coil switch that uses a small current to control a much
larger current.
Reluctance — The resistance that a magnetic circuit offers to lines of force in a
magnetic field.

Resistance — The opposition to the passage of an electric current. Electrical

resistance can be compared to the friction experienced by water when flowing
through a pipe. Measured in ohms.

Resistor — A device usually made of wire or carbon which presents a resistance

to current flow.

Rotor — The rotating part of an electrical machine such as a generator, motor,

or alternator.

Self Induction — Voltage which occurs in a coil when there is a change of

current.

Semiconductor — A solid substance that has a conductivity between that of an

insulator and that of most metals, either due to the addition of an impurity or
because of temperature effects. Devices made of semiconductors, notably
silicon, are essential components of most electronic circuits.

Series-Parallel Circuit — A circuit in which some of the circuit components are

connected in series and others are connected in parallel.

Series Circuit — A circuit in which there is only one path for electricity to flow.
All of the current in the circuit must flow through all of the loads.

Service — The conductors and equipment used to deliver energy from the
electrical supply system to the system being served.

Short Circuit — When one part of an electric circuit comes in contact with
another part of the same circuit, diverting the flow of current from its desired path.

Solid State Circuit — Electronic (integrated) circuits which utilize semiconductor

devices such as transistors, diodes and silicon controlled rectifiers.

Transistor — A semiconductor device with three connections, capable of

amplification in addition to rectification.

True Power — Measured in Watts. The power manifested in tangible form such
as electromagnetic radiation, acoustic waves, or mechanical phenomena. In a
direct current (DC) circuit, or in an alternating current (AC) circuit whose
impedance is a pure resistance, the voltage and current are in phase.
VARS — A unit of measure of reactive power. Vars may be considered as either
the imaginary part of apparent power, or the power flowing into a reactive load,
where voltage and current are specified in volts and amperes.

Variable Resistor — A resistor that can beadjusted to different ranges of value.

Volt-Ampere (VA) — A unit of measure of apparent power. It is the product of

the rms voltage and the rms current.

Volt (V) — A unit measure of voltage. One volt is equal to the difference of
potential that would drive one ampere of current against one ohm resistance.

Voltage — An electromotive force or "pressure" that causes electrons to flow

and can be compared to water pressure which causes water to flow in a pipe.
Measured in volts.

Voltmeter — An instrument for measuring the force in volts of an electrical

current. This is the difference of potential (voltage) between different points in an
electrical circuit. Voltmeters have a high internal resistance are connected across
(parallel to) the points where voltage is to be measured.

Watt-hour (Wh) — A unit of electrical energy equivalent to a power consumption

of one watt for one hour.

Watt (W) — A unit of electrical power. One watt is equivalent to one joule per
second, corresponding to the power in an electric circuit in which the potential
difference is one volt and the current one ampere.

Wattmeter — The wattmeter is an instrument for measuring the electric power

(or the supply rate of electrical energy) in watts of any given circuit.

Waveform — A graphical representation ofelectrical cycles which shows the

amount of variation in amplitude over some period of time.