How to calculate voltage drop in a distribution line?

[Manon_Chaboud]

Calculating voltage drop in a distribution line is important for ensuring that the electrical system operates efficiently. Here’s a simple formula you can use:

Voltage Drop (Vd) = (2 × K × I × L) / 1000

Where:

• Vd = Voltage drop in volts (V)
• K = Resistivity constant (ohms per mil foot) of the conductor material (e.g., copper or aluminum)
• I = Current in amperes (A)
• L = One-way length of the conductor in feet (ft)

Steps to Calculate Voltage Drop:

1. Determine the current (I) that will flow through the conductor.
2. Find the length (L) of the distribution line.
3. Identify the resistivity constant (K) for the conductor material you are using.
4. Plug these values into the formula to calculate the voltage drop.

Example: If you have a copper conductor (K = 12.9 ohms per mil foot), carrying 20 A over a distance of 100 ft, the calculation would look like this:

Vd = (2 × 12.9 × 20 × 100) / 1000 = 25.8 V

This means the voltage drop would be 25.8 volts.

Remember, it's essential to keep the voltage drop within acceptable limits (usually less than 3% for branch circuits) to ensure efficient operation.

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[jake.falcon]

Good information and will be sharing this with my Power students.