What is a critical safety consideration when working with Millivolt systems?

When working with Millivolt systems, a critical safety consideration is the potential for induction effects from line voltage. Millivolt systems operate at very low voltage levels, typically ranging from 0 to 30 mV. Because they are sensitive to electrical interference, it is essential to be aware of induction effects that can occur when millivolt wires are run close to high-voltage lines. This proximity can result in induced voltage in the low-voltage system, which may lead to erratic operation or even equipment damage.

Understanding and mitigating these effects is crucial for ensuring the safe and reliable operation of Millivolt systems. This involves taking proper precautions such as maintaining physical distance from high-voltage lines, using twisted pair wiring, or shielding the wiring, to minimize the risk of unwanted induction that could compromise system performance or safety.