What is the voltage drop in volts for a branch circuit supplying a 215-ampere load at 118 feet?

To determine the voltage drop for a branch circuit, several factors are considered, including the load in amperes, the length of the circuit in feet, and the conductor’s resistance per unit length. To perform the calculation, the formula for voltage drop can be applied:

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

Where:

• K is the resistivity constant (circular mils per foot) for the conductor material, typically 12.9 for copper and 21.2 for aluminum.

• I is the current in amperes (215 A in this case).

• L is the one-way length of the circuit (in feet, 118 feet).

• The factor of 2 accounts for the circuit being a loop (there and back).

By applying this formula and using the appropriate value for K corresponding to the conductor's material, the result is calculated. In this case, with the given values, it arrives at a voltage drop of approximately 3.085 volts.

This outcome aligns with practical expectations, as a voltage drop within reasonable limits is essential for the efficiency and performance of electrical systems. A drop exceeding certain thresholds can lead to inefficiencies and operational issues. Hence, the selected