Voltage Drop Calculator

Calculate voltage drop in electrical circuits and ensure NEC code compliance

Circuit Parameters

Enter your electrical circuit specifications

NEC Code Requirements

Voltage Drop Limits (NEC 210.19(A)):
  • Branch circuits: 3% maximum
  • Feeders: 3% maximum
  • Combined (feeder + branch): 5% maximum
  • Sensitive equipment: 2% recommended
Wire Ampacity (NEC 310.15):
  • Based on conductor material and insulation
  • Temperature derating may be required
  • Bundling adjustments apply

Calculation Tips

Key Considerations:
  • Distance is one-way length of conductor
  • Temperature affects wire resistance
  • Power factor important for AC calculations
  • Consider future load growth
  • Check both ampacity and voltage drop

Common Applications

Residential:

  • • Branch circuits
  • • Service feeders
  • • Subpanel feeds
  • • Appliance circuits

Commercial:

  • • Distribution panels
  • • Motor circuits
  • • Lighting systems
  • • HVAC equipment

Industrial:

  • • High-current feeders
  • • Long-distance runs
  • • Critical equipment
  • • DC systems