What is the voltage drop percentage for the scenario involving a 19.8-amp, 3Ø load?

In electrical systems, voltage drop is a critical consideration, especially for three-phase loads, as it can affect performance and efficiency. The voltage drop percentage is calculated using the formula that involves the load current, the length of the conductor, the resistance or impedance of the conductor, and the voltage level.

For a three-phase load, to determine the appropriate voltage drop percentage, the typical acceptable range is often between 2% to 5% for the circuit. In this particular scenario where we have a load of 19.8 amps, a common guideline for acceptable voltage drop in three-phase systems is around 1.5% to 3%.

The choice of 1.8% as the correct answer aligns well with practices that suggest keeping the voltage drop under 2% to maintain efficiency and performance. This percentage indicates that the electrical system is well within acceptable limits, ensuring that the load receives adequate voltage for optimal operation. If the voltage drop were significantly higher, it could indicate issues with conductor sizing or length, leading to increased heat loss and reduced equipment performance. Thus, 2% is generally viewed as the upper acceptable limit in this context, marking 1.8% as a prudent choice for a well-calibrated electrical installation.