Voltage Drop & Voltage Rise

Voltage drop is an important consideration in electrical installations, as it  can have a significant impact on the performance and safety of the system. Here are five ways why voltage drop is important:

Voltage drop can affect the performance of electrical appliances.

If the voltage supplied to an electrical appliance is too low, it can result in poor performance or even failure. This can be frustrating for the user and may also result in unnecessary repairs or replacements.

Voltage drop can cause overheating of cables.

If the voltage drop in a circuit is too high, it can cause the cables to overheat. This can result in damage to the cables and potentially start a fire. It's important to ensure that the voltage drop in a circuit is within acceptable limits to prevent overheating and protect against the risk of fire.

Voltage drop can reduce the efficiency of photovoltaic systems.

In solar photovoltaic (PV) systems, voltage drop can reduce the efficiency of the system and result in lower electricity output. It's important to consider voltage drop when designing and installing PV systems to ensure optimal performance.

Voltage drop calculations are required by Australian standards.

The Australian Standard AS/NZS3000:2007 Electrical installations (known as the Wiring Rules) specifies the requirements for voltage drop in electrical installations. It requires that the voltage drop in a circuit should not exceed 3% for circuits supplying general lighting and power, and 5% for circuits supplying fixed appliances.

Voltage rise calculations are important for solar PV supplies in New South Wales.

In New South Wales, the Service and Installation Rules for Photovoltaic (PV) Systems specify that the voltage rise on the supply side of the point of connection should not exceed 5% of the nominal voltage. It's important to consider voltage rise when installing PV systems in order to ensure that the supply voltage remains within acceptable limits.

In conclusion, voltage drop is an important consideration in electrical installations as it can affect the performance and safety of the system. It's important to ensure that the voltage drop in a circuit is within acceptable limits, as specified by Australian standards such as AS/NZS3000:2007, and to consider voltage rise when installing PV systems in New South Wales.