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 connections.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses Ohm's Law to calculate voltage drop:

Where:

• \( V_{drop} \) — Voltage drop (V)
• \( I \) — Current flowing through the circuit (A)
• \( R \) — Resistance of the conductor (Ω)

Explanation: The voltage drop is directly proportional to both the current flowing through the circuit and the resistance of the conductor.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Calculating voltage drop is essential for proper circuit design to ensure adequate voltage reaches the load and to prevent excessive power loss in conductors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes (A) and resistance in ohms (Ω). All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What causes voltage drop?
A: Voltage drop is caused by the resistance in conductors, connections, and other circuit components.

Q2: What is an acceptable voltage drop?
A: Typically, less than 3% for branch circuits and less than 5% for feeder and branch circuits combined is acceptable.

Q3: How can I reduce voltage drop?
A: Use larger conductor sizes, reduce conductor length, or decrease the current load.

Q4: Does voltage drop affect power?
A: Yes, voltage drop results in power loss (P = I²R) which is dissipated as heat in the conductors.

Q5: Is voltage drop the same as voltage regulation?
A: No, voltage regulation refers to the ability of a power supply to maintain constant voltage under varying load conditions.