The spelling of the word "SELV" may appear strange at first glance, but it actually follows the rules of English phonetics. In IPA (International Phonetic Alphabet), "SELV" is transcribed as /sɛlv/. The "s" represents the voiceless alveolar sibilant sound, followed by the open-mid front unrounded vowel sound /ɛ/. The "l" represents the voiced alveolar lateral approximant sound, and the final "v" represents the voiced labiodental fricative sound /v/. Together, they create the word "SELV", which is a valid combination of sounds in English.
SELV stands for Safety Extra Low Voltage. It refers to an electrical system or circuit that operates at a voltage level that is considered to be inherently safe for humans to come into contact with. SELV systems are designed to minimize the risk of electric shock, making them suitable for use in environments where there is a high likelihood of accidental contact with electrical equipment.
In a SELV system, the voltage levels are kept below a specified standard, typically 50 or 120 volts DC or 25 or 60 volts AC. The purpose of maintaining low voltage levels is to reduce the risk of electrical accidents, as lower voltages are less likely to cause harm. SELV systems are commonly found in household appliances, electronic devices, and low-power circuits.
To achieve SELV, several safety measures are employed, including the use of isolation transformers, insulation, and protective measures against short circuits and overcurrents. These measures are put in place to limit the amount of electrical energy that can be transferred to a person in the event of contact. SELV systems also require specific labeling and warning signs to ensure the safe operation and maintenance of equipment.
Overall, SELV systems are designed with the primary goal of protecting individuals from electric shock by limiting the voltage levels to a safe and non-hazardous range.