1. What is Three Phase Voltage Drop?

Three phase voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage in an electrical circuit caused by the impedance of the conductors. It's important to calculate to ensure proper operation of electrical equipment.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the three phase voltage drop formula:

Where:

• \( L \) — Length of the conductor in feet
• \( I \) — Current in amperes
• \( R \) — Resistance in ohms per 1000 feet
• \( \sqrt{3} \) — Constant for three phase systems (approximately 1.732)

Explanation: The formula calculates the voltage drop based on the conductor length, current flow, and conductor resistance in a three phase system.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures electrical equipment receives adequate voltage for proper operation and helps prevent excessive power loss in conductors.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter conductor length in feet, current in amps, and resistance in ohms per 1000 feet. All values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is an acceptable voltage drop?
A: Typically, voltage drop should be less than 3% for branch circuits and less than 5% for feeder and branch circuits combined.

Q2: How does conductor size affect voltage drop?
A: Larger conductors have lower resistance, resulting in less voltage drop for the same current and distance.

Q3: What's the difference between single phase and three phase voltage drop?
A: Three phase calculations include the √3 factor (1.732) and typically result in lower voltage drop compared to single phase for the same load.

Q4: Does power factor affect voltage drop?
A: Yes, for more precise calculations, power factor should be considered as it affects the reactive component of impedance.

Q5: When should I be concerned about voltage drop?
A: Voltage drop becomes important in long circuit runs, high current applications, or when sensitive equipment requires stable voltage.