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. Ohm's Law Explained

The calculator uses Ohm's Law:

Where:

• \( V \) — Voltage drop (Volts)
• \( I \) — Current flowing through the circuit (Amperes)
• \( R \) — Resistance of the circuit (Ohms)

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

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Calculating voltage drop is essential for proper circuit design, ensuring adequate voltage reaches the load, and preventing performance issues or safety hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes and resistance in ohms. Both values must be positive numbers for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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

Q2: How much voltage drop is acceptable?
A: Generally, less than 3% for branch circuits and 5% for feeder and branch circuits combined is recommended.

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

Q4: Does voltage drop affect power?
A: Yes, voltage drop reduces the power available at the load (P = V × I).

Q5: Is voltage drop the same as voltage loss?
A: They're related but not identical. Voltage drop refers to the difference in voltage, while voltage loss refers to the energy lost as heat.