VicRoads, the State road authority for the Australian State of Victoria, has recently implemented a successful 'live' trial of Extra Low Voltage (ELV) traffic signals. With over 3,000 traffic signal sites in Victoria, efficiency improvements, such as the use of ELV, have the potential to contribute significant community benefits. Traffic signal installations have traditionally operated using 240 volt AC. However, the introduction of LED traffic signal lanterns has made it possible to use ELV. The ELV traffic signals operate on 48 volt AC power. To date, the high power consumption of incandescent and quartz halogen traffic signal lamps has prohibited the use of lower voltages. The major benefit of extra low voltage traffic signals is that it uses a much safer voltage that will substantially reduce any potential electrical hazards for both working technicians and the public. This paper describes both the on site installation process and the 18 months of development and testing by VicRoads to prove the safety, viability and benefits of using extra low voltage. (a) For the covering entry of this conference, please see ITRD abstract no. E214938.
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