Line drop is the reduction in electrical potential between the sending end and receiving end of a circuit. It occurs because every conductor has inherent resistance and reactance, which consume a portion of the voltage as current flows. Grid operators must calculate line drop to ensure distant loads receive voltages within acceptable statutory limits.
We're seeing a severe line drop at the end of the rural feeder during peak load, so we need to step up the regulator taps.
Line drop compensators are built into voltage regulators to automatically boost the voltage as load current increases, countering the drop along the wire.
Also heard as
- voltage drop
Related terms
Impedance
Total opposition a circuit offers to alternating current, combining resistance and reactance, in ohms.
Ohmic resistance
The pure direct-current resistance of a conductor or component.
OLTC
On-load tap changer: a transformer switch that changes the turns ratio under load to regulate voltage.
Tapping
A connection point made along a transformer winding to allow for voltage adjustment.