1. What is Cable Voltage Loss?

Cable voltage loss refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through a conductor due to the resistance of the cable material. This phenomenon is also known as voltage drop and is an important consideration in electrical system design.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop formula:

Where:

• \( I \) — Current flowing through the cable (Amperes)
• \( R \) — Resistance per unit length of the cable (Ohms per meter)
• \( Length \) — Length of the cable run (meters)
• \( 2 \) — Factor accounting for both supply and return paths

Explanation: The formula calculates the total voltage drop by multiplying current, resistance per meter, cable length, and doubling the result to account for the complete circuit path.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Calculating voltage drop is crucial for ensuring electrical equipment receives adequate voltage to operate properly. Excessive voltage drop can lead to equipment malfunction, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter current in amperes, resistance in ohms per meter, and cable length in meters. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is there a multiplication by 2 in the formula?
A: The factor of 2 accounts for both the supply (hot) and return (neutral or ground) conductors in a typical electrical circuit.

Q2: What is an acceptable voltage drop percentage?
A: Generally, voltage drop should not exceed 3% for branch circuits and 5% for feeder circuits according to electrical codes, but specific requirements may vary.

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: When is voltage drop calculation most critical?
A: Voltage drop is most critical in long cable runs, high-current applications, and sensitive electronic equipment installations.

Q5: Can temperature affect voltage drop calculations?
A: Yes, cable resistance increases with temperature, which can affect voltage drop. Calculations are typically based on standard temperature conditions.