1. What is Voltage Drop?

Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load. For LED installations, excessive voltage drop can cause dimming or uneven lighting.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop equation:

Where:

• \( VD \) — Voltage drop (volts)
• \( L \) — Length of wire (meters)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of wire material (Ω·m)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of wire (m²)

Explanation: The equation calculates how much voltage is lost over a length of wire based on its material properties and size.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures LED systems operate at optimal brightness and efficiency. Excessive voltage drop can lead to performance issues and uneven lighting.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wire length in meters, current in amperes, resistivity in Ω·m (1.68×10⁻⁸ for copper), and cross-sectional area in m². All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's an acceptable voltage drop for LED systems?
A: Typically 3% or less of source voltage for main circuits, 10% or less for low-voltage LED systems.

Q2: How does wire gauge affect voltage drop?
A: Larger wire (smaller AWG number) has less resistance and therefore less voltage drop for the same current.

Q3: Why is resistivity important?
A: Different wire materials (copper, aluminum) have different resistivities, affecting voltage drop.

Q4: What's the significance of the factor of 2 in the equation?
A: It accounts for the round-trip path of current (both positive and negative wires in DC systems).

Q5: How can I reduce voltage drop?
A: Use shorter wire runs, larger wire gauge, or higher system voltage to minimize voltage drop.