Classification of Voltages

There are three main phases of voltage classification: high, medium and low voltage. When we discuss the voltages we see the classification of voltage is divided into three main phases. This classification can change according to your location internationally. This classification is divided into categories given below:

• High voltage(HV), Extra High voltage(EHV) and Ultra High voltage(UHV)-115,000 to 1,100,000 VAC
• Medium Voltage(MV) – 2,400 to 69,000 VAC
• Low Voltage(LV)  – 240 to 600 VAC

What is voltage?

Voltage meaning is the pressure that is needed to push electricity all over the circuit.  After the death of an Italian physicist Alessandro Volta, it was named and measured in volts. These electrical voltages utilize alternating current(AC) and direct current(DC).

• Alternating current(AC) flows in waves and reverses for regular intervals in electric voltage.

• Alternating current (AC) is used to transform mechanical energy into electrical energy which is generated by steam, wind, heat and water.
• Direct current(DC) carries in one direction only and it is usually generated by battery sources. 
• Direct Current sources have negative and positive terminals which establish the polarity in the circuit’s electric voltage.

These electrical Voltage measurements are essential to inspect the safety and quality of current. To make sure that the current is produced beyond a network. This protects from bodily injury and equipment loss.

World voltages Ranges

There are two main different voltage ranges that exist globally as a result of the Edison- Tesla controversy. For example, the US adopted the direct current standard but now uses 110V-127V lowest voltage range of current. On the other hand, the UK and EU utilized AC voltages in the range of 220-240V. In the UK it uses 230V for single phase and 400V for triple phases. For that reason, the definition for voltage classification can be different.

UK Mains Voltages Ranges

UK’s AC voltage is classified as high, medium and low voltage or extra high voltages are given below:

Low Voltage (LV): Low voltage refers to the potency of electricity. It is defined as 0-1000V in Alternating current (AC) or 0-1500V in direct current (DC). It is used for domestic purposes, home appliances and also used for security systems.

Medium Voltage(MV): This voltage is an electric type that is used to supply electricity. It is mostly between 1000 to 35000 volts(1 to 35kV). Medium voltage or MV is used to provide electricity on a large scale like hospitals, and industries.

High Voltage(HV): A high voltage of electricity is used for high potential energy. It is almost between 35kV to 230kV.

Extra High Voltage(EHV): Extra high voltage is a power transmission that is used for appliances and cabling for voltages 230 kilovolts and above.

What is the Low Voltage Range?

Classification of low voltage ranges usually used in domestic use and commercial sites. The UK imposes the Low Voltage Directive (LVD) to ensure the secure use of power supply. This law enactment covers most electrical equipment, inclusive of home appliances, plugs and sockets, cables and power supplies.lv voltage stands for low voltage electrical current that is used to flow electricity through wires.

• Low voltage switchgear: low voltage(LV) switchgear is a very important part of low voltage electrical distribution systems that save and manage electrical equipment. It is used in commercial and industrial settings both for indoor and outdoor use.

• What is low voltage current: In the electronic world low voltage has numerous meanings. Less than 600 volts is known as low voltage. Which industries or factories use automation can use various voltages.

• Supply:  factories or industries use high or medium voltages of power supply from allocated sub-stations. These sub-stations step down the level of voltages and give out to buildings all over the property. However, not all features need a high or medium voltage range. Some factories require a low voltage current of 240,480 0r 600 VAC from utilities.

A compatible low-voltage provider can lead to electricity smashes and irregular server operation.

What is the Medium Voltage Range?

Medium voltage is flow in 1000V to 35kV range, voltage mv installation performs best and delivers solidity with sustainable operations and switchgear. Factories or industrial sites used medium voltage to power supply their equipment. MV voltage network utilizes electricity with great care and economy. It is putting them at the heart of more protectors of energy, and logical and sustainable installations as we transform greener ways of utilizing electricity.

• Those factories or industries that are based on MV or HV electricity providers require their own electrical sub-stations to step down the level of voltages for distribution in the plant. According to the size of the facility, various sub-stations are perhaps essential to supply electricity for a group of buildings.

• Medium voltage switchgear is an electrical equipment that is used in voltage to control the supply of power between 1k to 35kV. Switchgear controls the voltages up to 35kV.

• Motors and electrical appliances are made with higher voltages to operate and use less electricity. These are low-cost to operate electricity. Most primary sub-stations only received 35000 VAC from the power supply. The primary sub-station can provide electricity to a secondary sub-station or a single building.

• The secondary substation gives out electricity received from the primary substation. These substations can have transformers to step down power for distribution to a control panel. The sub-stations can usually located in places that can be used for one or more buildings on the property.

High, Voltage Range

High voltage networks in the UK are worked by National Grid in England and Wales, Scottish Hydro, Scottish Power, and Northern Ireland Electricity. These DNOs own and operate the cables and towers that supply electricity to homes and businesses.

Higher voltage currents have various Pros:

• Reduced supply loss via transmission voltage.
• The reduced voltage release around the circuit.
• Reduced cost via the use of lightweight towers and cables.
• Boost efficiency and operational resources.
• Larger network reach.

High voltage networks are the most logical way to transfer electricity from generating stations to domestic and commercial purposes beyond the country.

In the UK high voltage range sub-stations are used to step down the level of voltage from 275 kV and 400 kV to 132 kV for distribution. All factories or industries need electricity. When utility supply is lost, the work of the industry is disturbed because they do not have the proper size of generator. We provide an extensive range of generators that can satisfy you according to your needs. Visit UK Power Generators.