I heard a couple of years ago that the standard 120/220 VAC disrtibution would evenyually be accompanied by one or more low voltage distribution systems so that eventually we'll be able to do away with all these transformers around the house and office. Has anything been done in this area? I guess a sticking point would be which voltages to offer.

Side note: Cars will soon have 40 volt distribution system to power electronics.

Huh? Never gonna happen.......... Could you link to your source on this stuff? I cant see every manufacturer on the planet (Or even the US) deciding on a universal Low Voltage standard. Let alone the Electical Unions standing for something like that....

agreed! will never happen at least not in our lifetime. Hell look how long it took just to decide on a standard for high def tv.

You mean we've decide on a standard for High Def?????

Ha Ha Ha..........

Robbie S

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Could you link to your source on this stuff?
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Just something I read - don't remember where.

Why would the electrical unions complain about more work?

There's a difference between 'more jobs' and 'more work'.

There are already low voltage standards. They are defined with the other standards, and forgive me, I forget which is which, but look in the NEC (code) for Class 1, Class 2 and Class 3. Also notice that video, which is low voltage, is strictly defined. Line level audio is often defined as 0 VU = 1 mW into 500 ohms, which then is bastardized as strictly a voltage, not a power, but comes out to full volume is about a volt...

Low voltage standards include what type of insulation can be used with a common air return (i.e. duct wiring standard), how many wires can be hung on clips how many inches above T-bar tiles...there are LOTS of lowvoltage standards.

I think where the whole idea of low-voltage standards has fallen down is where some dweeb thinks that one particular combination of wires of different gauges, all nicely bound together, can be used for EVERY job. IT ain't so! That is sort of like saying that while there are pretty exacting standards for the sizes and materials of nails and drywall screws, there will never be a machine capable of storing and then spitting out all of the different fasteners required in the process of building a house. All are standard, and how and where they are used varies.