It is often easy to lump all low voltage systems in a project into one category since they share similar power requirements and characteristics.  However, by lumping them all together, it is easy to forget to include one or more of them in a constructability review.  It is also easy to trivialize their importance, but many low voltage systems are critical to the life-safety features of a building, to efficient energy use, and to the comfort of the building occupants.  

The Impacts:  The primary impacts of forgetting to include a low voltage system in a constructability review are:

1. Lack of a power supply to the controller and/or low voltage equipment.  This may sound like an easy fix, but it may be difficult to extend a spare electrical circuit to a control panel or to individual low voltage components from an existing electrical panel after a building is finished or near complete.
2. Lack of space for the controller or control panel.  One of the most common problems in regards to low voltage systems is not allowing enough wall space for all of the controllers and/or control panels.  Often, electrical rooms are crowded enough with switchgear and electrical panels, leaving little room for the various low voltage panels.  Make sure these are all accounted for on the floor plan and interior elevations so there is room for everyone to fit in the space available
3. Lack of space/coordination of low voltage components.  This third issue is less common, but still worthy of review.  Make sure fire alarm pull stations are in appropriate locations for safe access, make sure fire alarm horn/strobes are not blocked by other equipment and provide adequate room coverage, make sure security sensors and security cameras are not blocked by lighting, equipment, or similar items.

A partial list of low voltage systems is provided below for your reference:

1. Fire Alarm Systems
2. Data/Communication Systems
3. Teleconferencing Equipment and Systems
4. Security Alarm/Detection Systems
5. Security Camera Systems
6. Access Control Systems
7. Lighting Control Systems - Interior and/or Exterior
8. Building Control / Environmental Control Systems
9. Energy Metering Systems
10. Indoor Air Quality Monitoring Systems
11. Irrigation Controller(s)
12. Specialized Equipment Control and Monitoring Systems