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The most effective solution to prevent voltage drop is upsizing to the next conductor. Alternatively, you can run parallel conductors or install a second circuit—sometimes running an additional 500/3 cable is more cost-effective than upsizing
Another effective strategy is to keep circuit runs as short as practical. For long runs, consider relocating equipment closer to the power source.
Voltage drop is the loss of voltage as electricity travels through wire or cable. Like water pressure decreasing as it flows through a long hose, when current moves through a conductor, resistance causes some voltage to be lost along the way.
Understanding voltage drop and how to minimize it is essential for any wire & cable installation. While some voltage drop is inevitable, excessive amounts cause serious problems: motors overheat and fail to start, lights dim, and sensitive electronics malfunction.
All conductors, regardless of material, have some electrical resistance. When current flows through the conductor, the electrical energy gets converted to heat, resulting in less voltage at the end of the circuit.
This is described by Ohm's Law:
For acceptable voltage drop levels, the NEC recommends:
These are recommendations, not strict requirements, but following them ensures efficient operation and prevents equipment problems.
Several factors influence how much voltage drop occurs in a wire & cable installation.
DISTANCE is the biggest factor that causes voltage drop. Due to compounding resistance, a circuit that works perfectly at 50 feet may have serious problems at 200 feet.
The amount of CURRENT flowing through the wire matters. For example, a 20-amp circuit experiences twice the voltage drop of a 10-amp circuit with the same wire size over the same distance.
WIRE SIZE plays a major role. Smaller wires have higher resistance and cause more voltage drop, while larger conductors allow electricity to flow more easily.
HIGHER TEMPERATURES increase resistance, and bundled cables or hot environments increase voltage drop. PVC conduit and underground installations retain more heat and increase resistance, especially in hot climates where soil temperatures are high.
The most effective solutoin for preventing voltage drop is upsizing to the next conductor. However, there are several methods to consider.
Service Wire is always responsive to RFQs and knowledgable about wire and cable products.
Service Wire goes above and beyond to help us meet our customer's needs.
Service Wire manufactures wire and cable specifically engineered for optimal conductivity and minimal voltage drop. Our technical team can help you select the right conductor size, material, and configuration for your specific application—whether it's a long run to an outbuilding, a high-current motor circuit, or a sensitive electronics installation.
Don't let voltage drop compromise your installation. Contact your Service Wire representative today to request a free specification audit to ensure you're specifying the right wire for the job.
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TC-ER Rated
AVAILABLE: Dual Rated 600V/1kV or 2kV #14 AWG - 750 Kcmil 2-37 Conductors Tinned or Non-Tinned Shielded or Non-Shielded PVC, ServiceCPE®, or EnviroPLUS® Jacket
No Pulling Lubricant Required (#6 AWG and Larger)
AVAILABLE: #14 AWG - 1000 Kcmil Tinned Conductors VW-1 Rated Wide Range of Colors Silicone-Free
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AVAILABLE: #14 AWG - 750 Kcmil 2-7 Conductors Built-In Grounds Pre-Installed Pulling Heads Wide Range of Colors Silicone-Free
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