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Class 2 and 3 circuits are defined as the portion of the wiring system between the power source and the connected equipment. Class 3 circuits limit the output power to a level that usually will not initiate fires. But, they can and do operate at higher voltage levels and, therefore, can present a shock hazard.
Similarly, what is a Class 2 circuit?
The NEC defines a Class 2 circuit as that portion of the wiring system between the load side of a Class 2 power source and the connected equipment. Due to its power limitations, a Class 2 circuit is considered safe from a fire initiation standpoint and provides acceptable protection from electrical shock.
In this manner, what is the difference between Class 1 and Class 2 wiring?
Class 1 wiring is actually required to exceed standards for power and lighting wiring. It must sit in metal or non-metallic raceway or be metal-sheathed wiring as compared to jacketed cable such as type NM. Class 3 wiring is functionally similar to Class 2 wiring, but with higher voltage and power limitations.
A class 1 circuit is the portion of the wiring system between the load side of the overcurrent protection device (OCPD) or the power-limited supply and the connected load. For example, Class 1 power-limited circuits are supplied by a power supply with an output that does not exceed 30 volts and 1,000 volt-amps.