Voltage Loss Calculator In Wire

Voltage Drop Formula:

\[ VD = 2 \times L \times I \times R / 1000 \]

Voltage Drop (VD):

Unit Converter ▲

Unit Converter ▼

From:	To:

1. What Is Voltage Loss In Wire?

Voltage loss, also known as voltage drop, refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs when electrical current flows through a wire due to the wire's resistance. This phenomenon is important to consider in electrical system design to ensure proper equipment operation.

2. How Does The Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop formula for single-phase systems:

\[ VD = 2 \times L \times I \times R / 1000 \]

Where:

\( VD \) — Voltage drop in volts (V)
\( L \) — Length of the wire in feet (ft)
\( I \) — Current flowing through the wire in amperes (A)
\( R \) — Resistance per 1000 feet of wire in ohms (Ω/1000 ft)

Explanation: The factor of 2 accounts for the round trip path of current in a single-phase circuit (both the hot and neutral conductors).

3. Importance Of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures electrical equipment receives adequate voltage for optimal performance, prevents overheating in wires, and maintains system efficiency and safety.

4. Using The Calculator

Tips: Enter wire length in feet, current in amperes, and wire resistance per 1000 feet. All values must be positive numbers greater than zero for accurate calculation.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: 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.

Q2: How do I find the resistance value for my wire?
A: Wire resistance values can be found in electrical engineering handbooks or wire manufacturer specifications based on wire gauge and material.

Q3: Does this formula work for DC circuits?
A: Yes, this formula works for both AC and DC single-phase circuits, though AC circuits may have additional factors like power factor.

Q4: What about three-phase systems?
A: For three-phase systems, the formula differs and typically uses a factor of √3 instead of 2 in the calculation.

Q5: How does wire temperature affect resistance?
A: Wire resistance increases with temperature. Calculations should use resistance values at the expected operating temperature for accuracy.