In electrical terms, what is "voltage drop"?

Voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs as electrical current passes through a conductor or any electrical component that has resistance, such as resistors, wires, or connectors. This phenomenon is crucial to understand in electrical systems because it affects the performance of electrical equipment.

When current flows through a resistance, energy is lost in the form of heat, which results in a lower voltage at the load compared to the source voltage. This is often represented by Ohm’s Law, which states that the voltage drop (V) across a resistor is equal to the product of the current (I) flowing through it and the resistance (R) of the component (V = I × R). A significant voltage drop can adversely affect the efficiency of electrical systems, leading to insufficient power for devices and potential malfunction.

Understanding voltage drop is vital for designing circuits and ensuring that the voltage available to appliances and devices remains within their operational limits. In practical applications, electricians must calculate voltage drop to ensure it is kept within acceptable limits to maintain the safety and efficiency of electrical installations.