Voltage regulation is often the limiting factor in the choice of either conductor or type of insulation. While the heat loss in the cable determines the maximum current it can safely carry without excessive deterioration, many circuits will be limited to currents lower than this in order to keep the voltage drop within permissible values. In this connection it should be remembered that the high voltage circuit should be carried as far as possible so that the secondary runs, where most of the voltage drop occurs, will be small. The voltage drop of a feeder may be calculated from the following formulae:
This above formula is satisfactory where the power factor angle is nearly the same as the impedance angle. It is exact when they are equal. That is: tan Above values apply directly for single phase lines when resistance and reactance are loop values and voltage is voltage between lines. For 3-phase circuits, use voltage to neutral and resistance and reactance of each conductor to neutral. This gives voltage drop to neutral. To obtain voltage drop line-to-line, multiply voltage drop by Example: 3 single coated copper conductors 600 volt cables in non-metallic conduit.
Approximate Formula:
Conductor ReactanceThe following table shows a nomogram for determining the reactance of any solid or concentric stranded conductor. This covers spacings encountered for conduit wiring as well as for open wire circuits. Various modifications necessary for use under special conditions are covered in notes on the nomogram. The reactances shown are for 60-Hertz operation. Where regulation is an important consideration several factors should be kept in mind in order to obtain the best operating conditions. Open wire lines have a high reactance. This may be improved by using parallel circuits but is much further reduced by using insulated cable. Three conductors in the same conduit have a lower reactance than conductors in separate conduits. Single conductors should not be installed in individual magnetic conduit because of the excessive reactance. Three conductors in magnetic conduit will have a somewhat higher reactance than cables in non-magnetic conduit.
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