Medium Voltage Drop Calculator

Medium Voltage Drop Equation:

\[ \text{Drop} = \frac{\sqrt{3} \times L \times I \times (R \cos \phi + X \sin \phi)}{1000} \]

Length (L):

Current (I):

amps

Resistance (R):

ohms/km

Reactance (X):

ohms/km

Angle (φ):

degrees

Voltage Drop:

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1. What is Medium Voltage Drop?

Medium voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit between the source and load when current flows through the conductors. It's an important consideration in power distribution systems to ensure proper equipment operation.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the medium voltage drop equation:

\[ \text{Drop} = \frac{\sqrt{3} \times L \times I \times (R \cos \phi + X \sin \phi)}{1000} \]

Where:

\( L \) — Length of the cable (km)
\( I \) — Current flowing through the cable (amps)
\( R \) — Resistance of the cable (ohms/km)
\( X \) — Reactance of the cable (ohms/km)
\( \phi \) — Phase angle between voltage and current (degrees)

Explanation: The equation accounts for both resistive and reactive components of the impedance in a three-phase system.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures that electrical equipment receives adequate voltage for proper operation and helps in selecting appropriate conductor sizes.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter all values in the specified units. Length and current must be positive values. Resistance and reactance should be non-negative.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered an acceptable voltage drop?
A: Typically 3-5% of the nominal voltage is acceptable for most applications, but specific requirements may vary.

Q2: Why use √3 in the calculation?
A: The √3 factor accounts for the three-phase system configuration in balanced conditions.

Q3: How does power factor affect voltage drop?
A: The angle φ represents the power factor angle. Lower power factors (higher angles) generally result in greater voltage drops.

Q4: When should I be concerned about voltage drop?
A: For long cable runs, high current applications, or sensitive equipment where voltage stability is critical.

Q5: Can this calculator be used for DC systems?
A: No, this is specifically for three-phase AC systems. DC calculations are simpler and don't involve reactance or the √3 factor.