1. What is Cable Voltage Drop?

Cable voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through a conductor due to the resistance of the cable. It's an important consideration in electrical system design to ensure proper voltage at the load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop formula:

Where:

• \( V_{drop} \) — Voltage drop (Volts)
• \( I \) — Current (Amps)
• \( L \) — Cable length (Meters)
• \( R \) — Resistance per meter (Ω/m)

Explanation: The factor of 2 accounts for the round-trip path of the current (to the load and back).

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Calculating voltage drop is essential for ensuring electrical devices receive adequate voltage to operate properly. Excessive voltage drop can cause equipment malfunction, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amps, cable length in meters, and resistance per meter in Ω/m. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a factor of 2 in the formula?
A: The factor of 2 accounts for the round-trip path of the current - both the outgoing and return conductors.

Q2: What is an acceptable voltage drop?
A: Generally, a voltage drop of less than 3% for branch circuits and less than 5% for feeder circuits is considered acceptable in most electrical codes.

Q3: How does cable size affect voltage drop?
A: Larger cable sizes have lower resistance per meter, resulting in less voltage drop for the same current and distance.

Q4: Does temperature affect voltage drop calculations?
A: Yes, cable resistance increases with temperature, which increases voltage drop. Calculations are typically based on standard temperature conditions.

Q5: When should I be concerned about voltage drop?
A: You should consider voltage drop in long cable runs, high current applications, and sensitive electronic equipment installations.