Definition
Extra-Low Voltage (ELV) is the formal name for electrical systems operating at voltages below 50V AC or 120V DC. In commercial construction the term has come to refer to the family of building services that run at safe low voltages — CCTV cameras, fire alarm panels, access control readers, structured data cabling, intercom systems, IP telephony, public address (PA), and intrusion alarms. ELV systems are distinct from "electrical" works (lighting, mains power) and "mechanical" works (HVAC, plumbing).
Common ELV system categories
1) Security: CCTV/IP video surveillance, access control, intrusion alarms, intercom. 2) Life safety: fire detection, voice evacuation, emergency lighting. 3) Communications: structured cabling, IP telephony (IPPBX), Wi-Fi infrastructure. 4) Building experience: public address, background music, audio/visual presentation. 5) Smart building: BMS integration, IoT sensors, energy monitoring.
Why use one ELV integrator instead of separate vendors
A single ELV integrator like TSB Smart Tech designs the systems to work together — for example, an intrusion alarm triggering CCTV recording and notifying an access control system to lock doors. Separate vendors typically install isolated systems that never talk to each other, which means you pay for capability you can't use. A unified integrator also means one warranty, one maintenance contract, one accountability point.
Typical ELV project workflow
Site survey → conceptual design → detailed engineering drawings → procurement → installation → commissioning and testing → handover with documentation → maintenance contract. Most ELV systems also include training for the building operator.