What is the maximum allowable voltage drop in a circuit?

The maximum allowable voltage drop in a circuit is typically set to 3%, which is a standard practiced to ensure that electrical devices operate efficiently and safely. When voltage drop exceeds this percentage, it can cause equipment to underperform, leading to potential operational issues, overheating, and even damage to the components over time. Maintaining a voltage drop at or below 3% helps to ensure that sufficient voltage reaches the load, maintaining proper functionality and longevity of electrical devices. This standard is particularly important in circuits that are longer or have a higher load, as these factors contribute significantly to voltage drop along the conductors.