[dhdc]

> But then there is the tradeoff of the popularity and availability of 12VDC devices due to RV/Boating.

Which is exactly why we need to get away from those 12V old garbages asap. 12V is so bloody wasteful, in terms of both wasted power and wasted conductor material. The only reason why its still around is people got used to it and don't wanna change.

[zw123456]

what is the optimal voltage based on empirical data ?

[picture]

> highest we can get away with

Assuming this means highest voltage that's still mostly safe and does not require a whole bunch of insulation, we might be looking at something from 80 to 100 VDC? No idea where I read it from but apparently it takes about that much DC voltage for people to "feel something" when touching conductors with dry skin.

[The_Double]

A lot of industry like datacenters and vehicles are moving to 48V. 48V is right on the limit of what is considered low-voltage and therefor doesn't have special safety requirements. And because it's a multiple of 12V, it can work well with old equipment by putting exiting supplies or batteries in series, and using very efficient constant-ratio down-converters.

see for instance: https://www.vicorpower.com/documents/whitepapers/wp-boosting...