What is the recommended percentage for maintaining voltage drop according to NEC?

The National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends that the total voltage drop in a circuit should not exceed 5% for feeders and branch circuits to ensure efficient operation of electrical systems and to minimize potential issues like flickering lights or inefficient equipment performance. A more stringent guideline indicates that the voltage drop for branch circuits should ideally be kept to around 3% to ensure closer adherence to performance requirements. This lower percentage accounts for the additional drop that occurs over the longer distances feeders may cover before reaching the end-use devices.

In practice, maintaining a voltage drop within these recommended limits is crucial, as it helps ensure that electrical devices receive sufficient voltage for proper functioning and longevity. Staying within this range can prevent overheating and energy loss, which are common problems associated with excessive voltage drop. Hence, keeping the voltage drop to around 3% is a proactive approach towards maintaining system reliability and energy efficiency.