low voltage

Meanings

1. 1noununcountabletechnical

   a small amount of electrical force, usually below the level that is dangerous to touch

   Grammar: No plural and no article: say 'at low voltage', not 'at a low voltage'.

   Patterns

   • at low voltage
   • operate at low voltage
   • low-voltage equipment

   The garden lights run at low voltage, so they are safe for children to be near.

   This low-voltage system uses only twelve volts.

   Old houses often have low voltage, which makes some appliances work poorly.

2. 2adjectivebefore a nountechnical

   describing equipment or a system that works with a small electrical force

   Grammar: Comes before a noun and is usually written with a hyphen: a low-voltage motor.

   Patterns

   • low-voltage cable
   • low-voltage lighting
   • low-voltage circuit

   He bought a low-voltage lamp for the bathroom.

   Low-voltage wiring is common in modern office buildings.

   The toy uses a low-voltage battery, so it cannot give a strong shock.

Common combinations

run at low voltage

These small fans run at low voltage.

low-voltage lighting

Low-voltage lighting is popular in gardens.

low-voltage cable

Use low-voltage cable for the outdoor speakers.

a low-voltage supply

The device needs a low-voltage supply.

Synonyms and how they differ

low-tension

A more old-fashioned technical term used especially in British English for the same idea.

weak current

Not a standard electrical term; use it only in general descriptions, not in technical writing.

Opposites

Word family

voltage noun

The general word for electrical force, measured in volts.

volt noun

The unit used to measure electrical force.

Commonly confused: low voltage or high voltage?

Practice

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