Choosing Permit Services To Keep Up With Today’s Building Trends
More and more commercial and residential properties are installing new lines of data. While the majority of these installations are due to an increase in employees working remotely and technology providers like Comcast, Spectrum, Xfinity, and more upgrading their current network for better performance, higher speeds, and cybersecurity purposes, there are other upgrades being implemented that contribute to the high number of growing changes in trends for acquiring proper permitting.
Modern ATM machines, pay-at-the-pump fuel dispensers, self-checkout, and self-serve kiosks at McDonald’s and other fast-food places are a few more examples of upgrades that are forcing commercial buildings to acquire low-voltage permits. Hotels across the globe are tying Wi-Fi and cable TV units together along with all other in-room video and data services, and video surveillance at the commercial level now uses some form of data line—such as j45 and coaxial—to tie the systems into a larger database or mainframe.
In this two-part blog series, we’ll be introducing low-voltage systems and explaining how the increase in installations nationwide is changing building permit requirements throughout the United States.
WHAT ARE LOW VOLTAGE SYSTEMS?
Low-voltage systems are defined by cables that carry a voltage of 50 volts (V) or less. This type of voltage is normally used for both residential and commercial systems, such as garage door opener controls, heating and cooling thermostats, alarm system sensors and controls, outdoor ground lighting, and more.
Commercial buildings often use low-voltage cables for the fastest connection speeds. With more and more modern devices needing to connect to the internet and transfer data at higher speeds, organizations are installing cabling systems that can facilitate their needs when standard electrical wiring and wireless networks fall short; that’s where low-voltage systems come in.
WHAT IS LOW VOLTAGE WIRING USED FOR?
Low voltage wiring serves a multitude of purposes, ranging from landscape lighting, thermostats, and WiFi connections, to VOIP, audio systems, and surveillance. It caters to networks of all sizes, efficiently linking devices to a central hub while ensuring dedicated bandwidth and reducing interference.
Here are some of the most common systems that use low-voltage wiring:
Audio: There are a number of advantages that come with using speakers, as they can be installed in practically any room. Besides the more obvious locations, such as living rooms or bedrooms, additional suitable areas might encompass bathrooms, outdoor patios, and kitchens.
Cable: Restaurants, offices with multiple meeting rooms, and hospitals are among the organizations that often opt for cable television services across numerous screens. To establish a seamless connection between all screens and the cable base, low-voltage wiring can be employed as a reliable bridge.
Computers: Companies leverage computer networks for purposes beyond mere spreadsheet tasks. Today, computers possess ample processing capabilities to handle diverse functions such as payment processing, machinery communication, data transmission, and even server operations.
Security And Surveillance: Numerous businesses opt for wireless security and surveillance systems, but when dealing with large buildings that span vertically or horizontally, wireless connectivity can encounter range limitations. In such cases, it is advisable to consider implementing a wired system for optimal performance. Surveillance systems typically rely on Cat6 wiring to support IP, network, and analog cameras. By running duplicate wires to every corner, it becomes possible to install multiple cameras strategically, effectively covering blind spots.
Telephone: While wired home phones are now less common in households, telephone outlets remain crucial for businesses. Whether utilizing traditional telephone systems or VoIP, low-voltage cabling plays a vital role in enabling seamless connectivity across various facilities and departments within your network. Fiber optics, WiFi, and Ethernet cables are the primary technologies employed by most telephone systems, all of which rely on low-voltage wiring for their operation.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF LOW VOLTAGE WIRING?
Even though wireless systems are becoming more and more common these days, no wireless system available beats a low-voltage wired connection. Wired connections are more secure, more reliable, and faster in most cases than any wireless options available, making them the ideal choice for commercial organizations.
Here are a few more benefits of low-voltage wiring:
- Low voltage wiring is more energy efficient and draws less power than traditional electrical wiring.
- Low voltage wiring is scalable and more streamlined when installed up-front or with conduit.
- Low voltage wiring can be customized to fit the needs of any business or organization.
- Low voltage wiring offers a lower risk of electrocution than traditional electrical wiring.
While most jurisdictions in the United States haven’t required low-voltage permits in the past, the increasing demand for installs happening nationwide is forcing building departments throughout the country to require permits to ensure the correct equipment is being installed.
To read about the current and emerging codes written that concern low-voltage applications, or to learn how this increasing demand is affecting the United States at both the government and corporate levels, stay tuned for Part 2 in this blog series.
PERMIT SERVICES FOR LOW-VOLTAGE SYSTEMS
Look no further for hassle-free permit services than Express Permits. Our expert team is here to provide you with seamless solutions for all your permit needs. Whether you require low-voltage permits for your commercial building or a residential permit for your home, we are dedicated to ensuring a smooth and efficient permit expediting the process that both cuts your wait time in half and saves you money.
Experience our exceptional permit expediting services today by contacting us through the form here. Trust Express Permits to handle all of your low-voltage permit requirements with professionalism and expertise.
You may also request a free quote for our permit management services easily by completing this short form. Thanks for reading!
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