What is Voltage Drop?
Voltage drop refers to the loss of electrical potential along the path of a circuit when current flows through resistance, such as wiring, connections, or other electrical components. It is a natural occurrence in all electrical systems and becomes significant over long cable runs or when wires are undersized for the load.
In residential and commercial electrical installations, managing voltage drop is critical to ensure the safe and efficient operation of appliances and equipment. Excessive voltage drop can cause lights to dim, motors to underperform, or even lead to overheating of wiring, increasing the risk of fire. Electricians calculate voltage drop during planning to ensure wire sizes and lengths comply with electrical code and performance standards.
