1. What is Voltage Drop?

Voltage drop is the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load. It occurs due to the resistance in conductors and can affect equipment performance.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop equation:

Where:

• \( Current \) — Current in amperes (A)
• \( Length \) — Length of conductor in feet (ft)
• \( Resistance \) — Resistance per 1000 feet (Ω/1000ft)

Explanation: The equation calculates the voltage drop based on the current flowing through a conductor of specific length and resistance.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Calculating voltage drop is essential for ensuring proper operation of electrical equipment and compliance with electrical codes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes, length in feet, and resistance in ohms per 1000 feet. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an acceptable voltage drop?
A: Typically 3% for branch circuits and 5% for feeder and branch circuits combined, but check local codes.

Q2: How does wire size affect voltage drop?
A: Larger wires have lower resistance, resulting in less voltage drop for the same current and distance.

Q3: Why calculate voltage drop for low voltage systems?
A: Low voltage systems are more sensitive to voltage drops as they operate with smaller voltage margins.

Q4: Does temperature affect voltage drop?
A: Yes, conductor resistance changes with temperature, which affects voltage drop calculations.

Q5: Can I use this for AC circuits?
A: This simplified formula works for DC or short AC circuits. For long AC circuits, consider power factor and reactance.