Another Voltage Drop Dilemma

[Lbartowski]

Does the limitation of voltage drop have anything to do with limiting total power consumption? My state has a voltage drop "requirement" listed in the energy code, however we all know it's not a requirement in the NEC (FPN only), so the decision on whether to enforce it is left up to the inspector.

I've had inspectors require us to re-pull 100 amp feeds to unit panels in apartments with as large as #2/0 wire. Then on the next job we're Ok with #1 aluminum.

It is super frustrating because I never know what the inspector will make us do. I'm curious what experience others are having with this and how you deal with it.

Any info is appreciated!

 

[electrofelon]

I have not worked in any jurisdictions that have a voltage drop requirement. If there were to be one, IMO, they would need to have some formula that attempts to find a reasonable actual load on a circuit, not just the breaker or conductor rating. Just off the top of my head, maybe something like half to 2/3 of the circuit rating,. Or just go off the full rating and allow a relatively high percent drop like 6% or so.

One important thing to note is for many loads, increased voltage drop Will lower the electrical consumption of the circuit