1. What is Voltage Drop in Parallel Feeders?

Voltage drop in parallel feeders refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through multiple parallel conductors. It's an important consideration in electrical system design to ensure proper equipment operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop equation for parallel feeders:

Where:

• \( VD \) — Voltage drop (%)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes)
• \( n \) — Number of parallel feeders
• \( L \) — Length of conductors (feet)
• \( R \) — Resistance per unit length (ohms/ft)
• \( V \) — System voltage (volts)

Explanation: The equation calculates the percentage voltage drop based on the current divided by the total parallel conductance, then divided by the system voltage.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures electrical systems operate within specified voltage tolerances, preventing equipment malfunction and power quality issues.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes, number of feeders, length in feet, resistance in ohms per foot, and system voltage. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What's an acceptable voltage drop percentage?
A: Typically 3% for branch circuits and 5% for feeder circuits, but consult local electrical codes.

Q2: How does parallel feeders affect voltage drop?
A: Adding parallel feeders reduces voltage drop by effectively lowering the total circuit resistance.

Q3: Should I use actual or nominal voltage?
A: Use nominal system voltage (e.g., 120V, 240V) unless calculating for a specific measured voltage.

Q4: What affects conductor resistance?
A: Material (copper/aluminum), temperature, and conductor size (AWG) all affect resistance.

Q5: Does this account for reactance?
A: This is a simplified DC/resistive calculation. For AC systems, impedance should be considered.