Electrical Calculations and Formulas

Voltage Drop Calculator

By Dave Rongey
Summary: Basic Electrical Calculations for Voltage Drop, Wire Sizing and Power Factors help you understand the requirements for Electrical Projects and Safe Circuit Wiring.

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Electrical Calculations and Formulas

Voltage Drop Calculations
Voltage drop is an essential factor in determining the correct wire size to prevent voltage loss which will occur in long distance runs of electrical wire or cable.

Electrical Power Calculations
Electrical power calculations are required to determine the initial load requirement for any given circuit. Power Factors are identified and taken into consideration as well to maintain safety for circuit integrity and performance.

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I am wanting to run wire under ground in a conduit 160' to a 100 amp panel from a meter panel at the pole which will supply power to a carport, future plans are to enclose the carport.

Voltage Drop Calculations
*Disclaimer
Other electrical projects will require extensive consideration when it comes to voltage drop due to the length of the electric service or generator sizing especially when motors will be used, such as well pumps.
To assist you in the planning process I have selected a few resources to help you in the calculation process that I find very helpful.

Voltage Drop Calculator

Calculate the Conductor Size Based On The Project

PLEASE NOTE:
This Calculator will determine the minimum size conductor needed based on a 3% Voltage Drop. It does not take into consideration other factors such as minimum ampacity based on the National Electric Code Table 310-16. (Allowable ampacity of conductors). Consult The Electrical Code for further details. Voltage Drop Calculation by Nick Debaggis.

Step #1 Describe the Electrical Circuit:

Conductor Type	Phase	Voltage
Copper	Single Phase	120 Volts
Aluminum	Three Phase	208 Volts
		240 Volts
		277 Volts
		480 Volts

Step #2 Describe the Application:

Distance in Feet, One-Way
Total Amperage of the Circuit

« This is the Minimum Wire Size

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Electrical Power Calculators
Calculators to help you determine the size of generator required for your specific application. Other calculators for unit conversions and other power related calculations.

Power Calculators

Disclaimer
* Ask-The-Electrician takes no responsibility for any false or misleading information. The use of these calculators are the responsibility of the user only. The results produced by these calculators are not guaranteed to be correct or applicable in all situations.The user must also understand the Electrical Code may or may not be legally acceptable in their area and may be modified or superceded by the locality in which the work is installed.

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The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.

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Electrical Calculations and Formulas

Voltage Drop Calculator