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Welcome to PF!wsharrock said:
Voltage drop is the decrease in voltage that occurs as electricity travels through a wire or circuit. It is caused by the resistance of the wire, which converts some of the electrical energy into heat.
Radial supply systems have a single source of power, and the voltage drop along the length of the wire can significantly affect the performance of the system. Accurate voltage drop calculation is necessary to ensure the system can deliver the required voltage to the end devices.
There are several methods for calculating voltage drop in radial supply systems, including the Ohm's law method, the K-factor method, and the voltage drop formula. These methods take into account factors such as the wire size, length, and type of material to determine the voltage drop.
The acceptable voltage drop for a radial supply system depends on the specific application. In general, a voltage drop of 3% or less is considered acceptable for most residential and commercial applications. However, for sensitive equipment or long-distance transmission, a lower voltage drop may be required.
To reduce voltage drop in a radial supply system, the most effective method is to use larger wire sizes with lower resistance. Other methods include reducing the length of the wire, using higher voltage levels, and minimizing the number of connections and splices in the system.
