Why Do Low-Voltage LED Fixtures Require Thicker Wires Than High-Voltage Ones?

Cross-sectional view of various thick and multi-core wires used for low-voltage LED lighting installations

This is a basic electrical principle. The reason is simple: at the same power level, the lower the voltage, the higher the current. Higher current requires thicker wires to safely carry the load.

Illustration explaining that low voltage LED lights draw higher current than high voltage ones, requiring thicker wires for the same power output

2. Higher Current Requires Thicker Wires

Because:

*Higher current causes more heat in the wire, which may lead to overheating or even fire hazards.

*Voltage drop becomes more significant. In low-voltage systems, if the wire is too thin, the voltage drop can make lights dim or fail to work properly.

Therefore, low-voltage LED systems require thicker wire to:

*Minimize voltage drop

*Reduce heat buildup

*Ensure electrical safety

*Deliver sufficient voltage to the LED fixtures for proper operation

Wires and their current carrying capacity:

Summary

Low-voltage LED fixtures draw more current, so they need thicker wires to handle the load, reduce voltage drop, and maintain safety. High-voltage systems have lower current, so the wire size requirement is smaller.

This is a fundamental rule in electrical design, and it’s especially important to consider in real-world wiring applications.

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