What does the term "voltage drop" refer to?

Voltage drop refers to the reduction in voltage that occurs along the electrical circuit as the current flows from the source to the load (like lights, appliances, or machines). This phenomenon is primarily caused by the resistance encountered in the conductors that make up the circuit. As current travels through these conductors, energy is lost in the form of heat due to resistance, leading to a lower voltage at the load compared to the voltage supplied by the source.

Understanding voltage drop is crucial for ensuring that electrical systems operate efficiently, as excessive voltage drop can lead to insufficient power reaching the devices, which can affect their performance and longevity. Proper calculations of voltage drop are necessary to select the correct wire sizes and to design circuits that can deliver adequate power without significant losses.