Extra Low Voltage and Low Current Systems at the Airport
The airport is a unique setting with unique needs for electrical installation. At the same time, modern airports are making increasing use of technology, placing greater demands on their electrical systems. The average airport now uses 19.7 kilowatt-hours ( kWh ) of electricity every year. With airports like Changi in Singapore and San Francisco International Airport in the USA paving the way for more advanced airports, powerful electrical installations that don’t interfere with airport operations are becoming more important. This is where extra low voltage and low current systems come in. So why are they necessary and how do airports use them?
Why are extra low voltage and low current systems necessary?
Extra low voltage and low current systems are electrical systems that perform with an extra-low voltage. They’re typically found where electricity could be hazardous, with airports being a prime example. These systems are necessary for airports because they allow for sophisticated and powerful electrical installations that don’t interfere with aircraft or air traffic control operations. There are a wide variety of ways that airports use these systems, and we’ll now consider some of these in greater detail.
Improving the passenger experience
Much of airport operations relate to improving the passenger experience – extra low voltage and low current systems contribute to this. These systems are pivotal to airport communications. They power low-voltage signage that communicates information about flights, facilities, and routes through the airport. Low voltage digital signage is an environmentally friendly option, saving the airport both electricity and expenditure.
Low current systems are also used to communicate with passengers through public address systems. A vast range of low voltage public address systems are available, from simple handheld microphone systems to sophisticated and wide-reaching systems suitable for emergencies and evacuations. These systems are in near-constant use in airports as they help to communicate vital information and help passengers reach their flights. A low voltage system is essential for devices that are in such frequent use.
Improving airport safety
Safety and security are a top priority at any airport and low voltage systems are part of this. In addition to low voltage public address systems that can communicate vital safety information, many airports use low voltage fire alarm systems to protect passengers. Again, these systems are in continual use so a low current is vital to minimize interference. Many sophisticated low-current fire alarm systems are available, and a further advantage is that they can be integrated with new or existing low-current safety systems. As well as minimizing electrical usage, this helps to ensure a fast and safe response in an emergency.
Extra low voltage and low current systems at the airport
These are just some of the ways that airports deploy extra low voltage and low current systems. They also have a range of other valuable uses but, regardless of the application, these systems help to make the airport experience safer, more informative, and more pleasant for passengers. Increased use means that airports can continue to advance technologically, offering even more for passengers. By using low current systems, airports can keep developing whilst maintaining exceptional standards of safety and reliable operations.