Operating Voltage
noun
Definition of Operating Voltage
Operating voltage is the amount of electrical energy required for a lighting system or device to function properly. Matching the operating voltage of a device to the voltage of the power supply is important to ensure that the device operates safely and efficiently.
Using a device with an incorrect operating voltage can result in decreased performance, shortened lifespan, or even damage to the device or other components in the electrical system.
LEDs exemplify this principle as they typically require a low DC voltage of 12 or 24 volts. To connect them to the main power supply, low voltage transformers and LED drivers are necessary to step down and stabilize the voltage.
In addition to matching the operating and nominal voltage, it's important to consider voltage drop to prevent the power from dropping below the minimum operating voltage of your LED fixtures or devices. A voltage regulator may be necessary to prevent this fluctuation.
The operating voltage of a device can affect its brightness or intensity. A light bulb with a higher voltage will typically be brighter than one with a lower voltage.
For example, the Slim AC LED Flood Light 30W uses 120–220 V and produces 2800 lumens while a floodlight on 10–30 V, such as the Angled Perimeter Light puts out 1000 lumens.
The trade off is that devices with a low operating voltage use less power and may be more efficient. This is true of most LED lights as well as compressed fluorescents (CFLs).
Example of Operating Voltage in a Sentence
"When designing a lighting system, consider the operating voltage of each electrical component and ensure that they are compatible with each other and with the overall electrical system"
Synonyms: rated voltage
Related Terms for Operating Voltage