Voltage drop workflow

A practical sequence for using voltage-drop and cable-sizing tools with Australian metric inputs.

Workflow

  1. Identify the circuit, submain or equipment feed being reviewed.
  2. Confirm phase arrangement, supply voltage, design current and one-way route length.
  3. Use the voltage-drop calculator first when the conductor size is already being reviewed.
  4. Use the cable-size calculator when the task is candidate-size screening.
  5. Use the submain calculator when upstream and downstream voltage-drop allocation matters.

Review table

Voltage drop workflow checks
CheckWhy it mattersWhere to use it
Supply voltageSets the percentage drop basisVoltage drop and submain calculators
Route lengthDrives the voltage-drop estimateCable route and estimating notes
Load currentConnects demand to the conductor reviewLoad current and maximum demand tools
Conductor contextKeeps the result tied to the selected cableCable-size calculator and formula chart

Output review

Use the result as a calculation worksheet. Keep the entered values, source of current, conductor context and project note with the record so another person can review the basis.

Questions

Should route length be one-way or loop length?

Use the length requested by the calculator. The current voltage-drop tools use entered route context and show assumptions beside the result.

Do conductor labels choose the cable for me?

No. Labels are only calculation context. Installation conditions, current capacity and project requirements still control cable selection.