If a branch circuit operates at 240 volts AC, what is the minimum circuit operating voltage to maintain a 3% drop?

To determine the minimum circuit operating voltage needed to maintain a 3% voltage drop for a branch circuit operating at 240 volts AC, it's essential to calculate what a 3% drop from the nominal voltage equates to.

First, 3% of 240 volts is calculated as follows:

0.03 x 240 volts = 7.2 volts.

Next, to find the minimum operating voltage that allows for that 3% drop, you subtract the voltage drop from the nominal voltage:

240 volts - 7.2 volts = 232.8 volts.

Since we are looking for the minimum circuit operating voltage without exceeding a 3% voltage drop, you need to round this value to the nearest whole number, which gives us approximately 232 volts.

Consequently, 232 volts is the minimum operating voltage required to maintain a 3% voltage drop from the nominal 240 volts, making it the right answer in this scenario. Using lower voltages would exceed the 3% drop threshold, potentially leading to underperformance in electrical devices and systems connected to the circuit.