Molly Ayala
Electrical circuits are classified according to their technical specifications and power capabilities. A Class 2 electrical circuit is a specific type of energy-limited control circuit defined in the National Electrical Code (NEC). These circuits are designed for low-voltage control applications and are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint, providing protection from electrical shock. Class 2 circuits are commonly used to power low-power digital devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). They are also employed in automated equipment and systems in North America, where the NEC is the primary standard for electrical installations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type | Remote-control, signaling, and power-limited circuits |
| Usage | Low-power digital devices, communication, networking, and input/output signaling |
| Safety | Improved protection performance, better safety, and protection from electrical shock and fires |
| Voltage | Maximum circuit voltage of 150VAC or VDC for an inherently limited power source, 30VAC and 60VDC for a power source limited by overcurrent protection |
| Power | Energy-limited |
| Cost | Lowers the total installed cost |
| Compliance | Must be considered for low voltage LED lights and systems |
| Installation | Can be installed within the same enclosure as Class 1 circuits, provided there is a barrier between the two circuits |
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What You'll Learn
Class 2 circuits are a type of energy-limited control circuit
Class 2 circuits are often used for low-power digital devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other intelligent components. They are also commonly used for communication, networking, and input/output signalling. In North America, the NEC is the primary standard for electrical installations, and Class 2 circuits are built to take advantage of this special classification.
The primary purpose of Class 2 circuits is to provide a safe enclosure for operators. They are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint and provide acceptable protection from electrical shock due to their power limitations. Class 2 circuits focus on fire prevention as their foremost safety goal, and they can be installed together with Class 3 circuits, which offer additional protection against electric shocks.
To ensure Class 2 compliance, certain precautions must be taken, especially for permanent hard-wire installations. Most wire available at hardware stores is not rated for permanent installation and cannot be installed inside walls, under floorboards, or as a structural component of a building. Instead, Class 2 In-Wall Rated Wire provides an extra layer of installation that is more resistant to cracking or melting and is approved by the NEC for installation inside walls.
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They are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC)
Class 2 circuits are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as a specific type of energy-limited control circuit. They are neither remote control circuits nor signal circuits, but the current is limited in accordance with Rule 16-200. Class 2 circuits are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint and provide acceptable protection from electrical shock due to their power limitations.
The NEC defines Class 2 circuits as the portion of the wiring system between the load side of the appropriate class source and any connecting equipment. They are designed to prevent electrical fires and shock, with improved protection performance and safety.
Class 2 circuits are particularly suitable for low-voltage control circuits in automated equipment and systems in the North American market. They are commonly used to power low-power digital devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other intelligent components.
Class 2 compliance is important to consider during retrofits or new construction with low-voltage LED lighting. The NEC requires that low-voltage power supplies and electrical wiring be Class 2 compliant. To ensure compliance, specific materials and methods should be used, and a junction box may be necessary to separate high and low voltage wiring within the same enclosure.
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They are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint
Class 2 circuits are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as a specific type of energy-limited control circuit. They are used for low-voltage control circuits in automated equipment and systems in the North American market. Class 2 circuits are designed for low-power digital devices such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs).
Due to their power limitations, Class 2 circuits are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint. They also provide acceptable protection from electrical shock. The maximum circuit voltage for a Class 2 inherently limited power source is 150VAC or VDC, while for a Class 2 power source limited by overcurrent protection, the maximum circuit voltage is 30VAC and 60VDC.
To ensure Class 2 compliance and enhance safety, it is essential to use wiring that is approved for permanent installation. Class 2 In-Wall Rated Wire, for example, provides an extra layer of protection and is approved by the NEC for installation inside walls. This type of wiring is more resistant to cracking or melting, reducing the risk of sparks or fires.
Additionally, junction boxes can be installed to separate high and low voltage wiring within the same enclosure, further preventing the risk of electrical fires. These boxes provide a safe, grounded, and fireproof enclosure, ensuring that wire nuts do not come loose and cause a short circuit or potential fire.
Overall, the focus on fire prevention and adherence to Class 2 compliance standards make Class 2 circuits safe from a fire initiation perspective.
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They are used for low-voltage control circuits
Class 2 circuits are used for low-voltage control circuits, which are a specific type of energy-limited control circuit. They are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as the portion of the wiring system between the load side of the power-limiting device and all connected equipment.
Class 2 circuits are designed to recognise the low energy levels associated with many control and signalling applications. They are commonly used for low-power digital devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs), human-machine interfaces (HMIs), and other intelligent components. These circuits are also used for communication, networking, and input/output signalling.
The primary goal of Class 2 circuits is fire prevention, and they are considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint due to their power limitations. They also provide acceptable protection from electrical shock. To further enhance safety, Class 2 circuits can be installed with junction boxes, which provide a grounded, fireproof enclosure to prevent wire nuts from coming loose and causing electrical fires.
Class 2 circuits offer improved protection performance, better safety, and other installation benefits. They allow designers to use specific materials and methods, resulting in functional benefits, reduced total installed costs, and improved safety for users and equipment.
Overall, Class 2 circuits are a reliable choice for low-voltage control circuits, providing enhanced safety, performance, and cost-effectiveness.
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They are commonly used for low-power digital devices
Class 2 circuits are defined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) as energy-limited control circuits. They are used for low-power digital devices, which are becoming increasingly common, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs). These devices work well with Class 2 circuits because they draw a small amount of power.
Class 2 circuits are also well-suited for low-power digital devices because they provide improved protection performance and safety. They operate faster and more accurately than traditional fuses and circuit breakers, and they are safer from a fire initiation standpoint. This is because they have power limitations, with a maximum circuit voltage of 30VAC and 60VDC for a Class 2 power source limited by overcurrent protection.
Additionally, Class 2 circuits can supply much of the associated communication, networking, and input/output signalling for these low-power digital devices. They are also more cost-effective, as implementing Class 2 principles with the right devices lowers the total installed cost.
For low-voltage LED lighting, it is important to ensure Class 2 compliance during retrofits or new construction. This includes ensuring that any wiring is Class 2 In-Wall Rated Wire, which is more resistant to cracking or melting and is approved by the NEC for installation inside walls.
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Frequently asked questions
Class 2 electrical circuits are a type of energy-limited control circuit that provides improved protection performance, better safety, and other installation and operational benefits.
Class 2 circuits are used for low-voltage control circuits and are especially beneficial for automated equipment and systems in North America.
Class 2 circuits offer improved safety, lower installed costs, and enhanced protection performance. They are also more efficient for the relatively small amounts of power involved in control and signaling applications.
Low-power digital devices, such as programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and human-machine interfaces (HMIs), function effectively with Class 2 circuits.
Class 1 circuits are characterized by their ability to interface the load-side of power-limiting equipment with integrated equipment. They have a maximum voltage of 600V and are further divided into power-limited and remote-control subgroups. Class 2 circuits, on the other hand, focus on fire prevention and have a maximum voltage of 150VAC or VDC.
