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

Definition: This calculator estimates voltage drop in electrical cables according to Canadian electrical standards.

Purpose: Helps electricians and engineers ensure proper voltage levels in electrical installations by calculating potential voltage loss.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the Canadian standard formula:

Where:

• \( VD \) — Voltage drop (volts)
• \( \rho \) — Resistivity of conductor material (ohm-m)
• \( L \) — Length of cable (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 systems.

3. Importance of Voltage Drop Calculation

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

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• Default resistivity (1.72×10⁻⁸ ohm-m) is for copper at 20°C
• For aluminum conductors, use 2.82×10⁻⁸ ohm-m
• Multiply by 1.02 for 25°C or 1.05 for 30°C to account for temperature
• All values must be > 0

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Why is voltage drop important?
A: Excessive voltage drop can cause equipment malfunction, reduced efficiency, and potential safety hazards.

Q2: What's the maximum allowed voltage drop in Canada?
A: CEC typically recommends ≤3% for feeders and ≤5% for branch circuits.

Q3: Does this calculator work for three-phase systems?
A: No, this is for single-phase. Three-phase uses √3 instead of 2 in the formula.

Q4: How do I find conductor resistivity?
A: Standard values are 1.72×10⁻⁸ for copper and 2.82×10⁻⁸ for aluminum (ohm-m).

Q5: Where can I find conductor cross-sectional area?
A: Check cable specifications or use our Wire Size Calculator tool.