What does “voltage drop” refer to?

Voltage drop refers to the decrease in voltage that occurs as electrical current travels through a circuit. This phenomenon can occur due to the resistance of the wiring, connections, and other components within the circuit. As current flows, some energy is lost as heat in these resistive components, leading to a drop in the voltage level between the source and the load. Understanding voltage drop is essential in electrical design and troubleshooting, as excessive voltage drop can lead to inefficiencies or improper functioning of electrical devices. Therefore, the concept highlights the need for consideration of wire sizes, lengths, and material to ensure that voltage is maintained optimally throughout a circuit.