1. What is the Voltage Drop Equation?

The voltage drop equation calculates the decrease in voltage in an electrical circuit due to the resistance of the conductors. It's particularly important for LED lighting systems to ensure proper voltage at the load.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the voltage drop equation:

Where:

• \( VD \) — Voltage drop (volts, V)
• \( L \) — Length of conductor (feet, ft)
• \( I \) — Current (amperes, A)
• \( R \) — Resistance per 1000 feet (Ω/1000 ft)

Explanation: The equation accounts for the round-trip distance (hence the 2 multiplier) and the conductor's resistance per 1000 feet.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures that LED lights receive sufficient voltage to operate correctly. Excessive voltage drop can lead to dimming, flickering, or failure to operate.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the one-way length of the circuit in feet, the current in amperes, and the conductor resistance per 1000 feet. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the length multiplied by 2?
A: The calculation accounts for both the "hot" and "neutral" conductors in a typical circuit, effectively doubling the one-way distance.

Q2: Where can I find resistance values for Southwire cables?
A: Southwire provides resistance values in their product specifications or technical documentation for each cable type and gauge.

Q3: What is an acceptable voltage drop for LED lighting?
A: Generally, voltage drop should be limited to 3% for branch circuits and 5% for feeder and branch circuits combined.

Q4: Does this calculation work for DC circuits?
A: Yes, this calculation works for both AC and DC circuits when using the appropriate resistance values.

Q5: How does temperature affect the calculation?
A: Higher temperatures increase conductor resistance. For precise calculations, use resistance values adjusted for expected operating temperature.