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Voltage Drop Calculation Basis

ThreePhase%VoltageDrop=CalculatedLoadinAmps×EffectiveZ×WireLength1,000LinetoNeutralVoltage×100Three-Phase\>\%\>Voltage\>Drop = {{Calculated\>Load\>in\>Amps \times Effective\>Z \times {Wire\>Length \over 1,000}} \over Line-to-Neutral\>Voltage} \times 100 SinglePhase%VoltageDrop=CalculatedLoadinAmps×EffectiveZ×WireLength1,000×2Voltage×100Single-Phase\>\%\>Voltage\>Drop = {{Calculated\>Load\>in\>Amps \times Effective\>Z \times {Wire\>Length \over 1,000} \times 2} \over Voltage} \times 100 EffectiveZ=(Resistance×PowerFactor)+(Reactance×sin(arccos(PowerFactor)))Effective\>Z = \Big(Resistance \times Power\>Factor\Big) + \Big(Reactance \times \sin\big(\arccos(Power\>Factor)\big)\Big)

(See NEC Table 9 Note 2)

The default feeder and branch circuit ResistanceResistance and ReactanceReactance values are based upon NEC Table 9 and can be modified using the Wire Ampacities command.

The default transformer impedance values are for dry-type indoor transformers. These values can be modified using the Panel Edit command or Family Edit command.

PowerFactorPower\>Factor is based upon the Voltage drop power factor ▾ option in the Project Options command.

LinetoNeutralVoltageLine-to-Neutral\>Voltage is used for three-phase calculations based upon NEC Table 9 Note 2: "Multiplying current by effective impedance gives a good approximation for line-to-neutral voltage drop."

VoltageVoltage is the line-to-neutral voltage for single-pole circuits and line-to-line voltage for two-pole circuits.

Feeder Values

CalculatedLoadinAmpsCalculated\>Load\>in\>Amps is the Total Estimated Demand Current on the distribution equipment. This load is calculated by Revit based upon the loads connected to the distribution equipment and the demand factors.

WireLengthWire\>Length is the Length ▾ value for the feeder to the panel in the Panel Edit command.

Branch Circuit Values

CalculatedLoadinAmpsCalculated\>Load\>in\>Amps is the Apparent Current on the circuit. This load is calculated by Revit based upon the devices connected to the circuit.

WireLengthWire\>Length is the Actual Length value for the circuit in the Circuit Edit command. The voltage drop calculation assumes the entire circuit load is located this distance from the panel.

Transformer Voltage Drop

The voltage drop through transformers can be included, ignored, or reset to 0%. Use the Transformer voltage drop calculation method ▾ option in the Project Options command to control how the voltage drop is calculated.