There are different standard voltage depending on the electrical items and the country you are in. The voltage has various values, starting from AC voltage of 110 V, 220 V, 380 V, 1,000 V, 10,000 V and even up to its value in Kilo Volts (KV).

Here we will discuss the classification of commonly used electrical voltages, starting from Low Voltage (LV), Medium Voltage (MV), to High Voltage (HV), along with their functions and applications. Are you familiar with these terms? In Indonesia itself, to make it easier to remember, low voltage is a voltage below 1,000 Volts (1Kv), medium voltage is included in the industrial realm, namely factories whose output is 1 - 35 Kv, while high voltage is usually used as a power plant center to the substation with a voltage above 35 Kv.

For further clarification, here's a complete explanation of the differences between High Voltage, Medium Voltage, and Low Voltage. Let's take a look!

Know the Difference Between Low Voltage, Medium Voltage, and High Voltage

High Voltage

High Voltage is a classification of electrical voltage above 35,000 Volts (35 kV). This voltage is generally used for long-distance electrical power transmission from power plants to substations before being stepped down to Medium Voltage and Low Voltage levels.

The use of high voltage aims to reduce power losses during the transmission process. The higher the voltage, the smaller the current flow for the same power, thus minimizing heat and energy loss in the cables.

In Indonesia's electricity system, High Voltage is typically distributed through High Voltage Overhead Lines (SUTT) and Extra High Voltage Overhead Lines (SUTET) with common voltage levels such as 70 kV, 150 kV, and up to 500 kV. This infrastructure can be easily recognized by its large poles and wide spacing between conductors.

Due to the extremely dangerous nature of the system, installation and maintenance of high voltage systems should only be carried out by certified professionals and adhere to strict safety procedures. Direct contact or too close a distance to a High Voltage network can cause a very dangerous electric arc, even without physical contact.

Medium Voltage

Medium Voltage has a voltage of about 1,000 Volts or 1 KV to 35,000 Volts or 35 KV. Medium voltage is connected from the substation from PLN to the distribution substation.

Applications using medium voltage are generally distributed to consumers who require large amounts of power, such as middle-class industrial factories that use numerous electric motors for production.

Medium voltage is distributed to consumers using a medium voltage network (JTM) in the form of a medium voltage overhead line (SUTM) that is tailored to the needs of consumers.

Low Voltage

Low Voltage (Low Voltage) is an electrical voltage with a range of 100 Volts to 1,000 Volts. This low voltage is channeled through a step down transformer which is connected to consumers such as homes which generally use a voltage of 220 Volts. Cables used for distribution to homes using twisted cable or twisted cable.

Keep in mind that although it is classified as low voltage, this voltage is quite dangerous when humans have direct contact, because it can cause serious injury and even lead to death.

By knowing the classification of electrical cables, you can also understand the range of voltages in each class so that you can seek safety and be aware of various equipment that can be dangerous to yourself and others.

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