Voltage Drop Calculator
Calculate voltage drop across electrical conductors based on wire gauge, length, and current. Essential for electrical installations and circuit design.
Understanding Voltage Drop
Voltage drop is the reduction in electrical potential along a conductor carrying current. It's crucial to consider voltage drop when designing electrical systems because:
- Excessive voltage drop can cause equipment malfunction
- It affects the efficiency of electrical systems
- National electrical codes specify maximum allowable voltage drops
General Guidelines:
- Maximum 3% voltage drop for branch circuits
- Maximum 5% voltage drop for combined feeder and branch circuits
- Lower voltage drop is always better for system efficiency