1. What is a Voltage Drop Calculator (Canada)?

Definition: This calculator estimates the voltage drop in an electrical circuit based on conductor properties and current flow, following Canadian standards.

Purpose: It helps electricians and engineers ensure proper voltage levels throughout electrical installations in Canada.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Canadian voltage drop formula:

Where:

• \( VD \) — Voltage drop (volts)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of conductor material (Ω·m)
• \( L \) — Length of conductor (meters)
• \( I \) — Current flow (amps)
• \( A \) — Cross-sectional area of conductor (m²)

Explanation: The formula accounts for both the outgoing and return paths (hence the factor of 2) in single-phase AC or DC circuits.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

Details: Proper voltage drop calculation ensures electrical equipment receives adequate voltage, prevents performance issues, and complies with Canadian Electrical Code (CEC) requirements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Default resistivity is for copper (1.68×10⁻⁸ Ω·m)
• For aluminum, use 2.65×10⁻⁸ Ω·m
• Length should be one-way distance to load
• Current should be maximum expected load current

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is the factor 2 used in the formula?
A: The factor 2 accounts for both the outgoing and return conductors in the circuit.

Q2: What's the maximum allowed voltage drop in Canada?
A: The CEC recommends no more than 3% voltage drop for feeders and 5% for branch circuits.

Q3: Does this formula work for three-phase systems?
A: No, three-phase systems use a different formula (replace 2 with √3).

Q4: How do I convert wire gauge to cross-sectional area?
A: Use standard wire gauge tables (e.g., 14 AWG = 2.08 mm² = 2.08×10⁻⁶ m²).

Q5: What temperature is the resistivity based on?
A: Standard values are typically given at 20°C. Resistivity increases with temperature.