Voltage drop is something that occurs when current is passed through wires. More specifically, in the wire from the supply source to an item of use.

The voltage drop depends on the following:

1. Current – Measured in amps (A), higher current directly leads to a larger voltage drop.

2. Resistance – Measured in Ohm (Ω), this is relative as there is resistance in wires, longer wires lead to more resistance and therefore a larger voltage drop.

3. Cable cross-section – Specified in ^mm2 and describes the thickness of the wire, thicker wire leads to less voltage drop.

4. Temperature – The resistance of the metals used for cables increases at higher temperatures.

5. Voltage – measured in Volts (V), higher voltage does not directly lead to less voltage drop, but instead a higher voltage at the end of the wire. For example 1. If there is 5V at the Power Supply and a voltage drop of 2V, there will be 3V left at the end of the wire. 2. If there is 12V at the Power Supply and the same voltage drop as before, there will be 10V left at the end. In both cases there is the same voltage drop but at 12V there are more volts left at the end, so less voltage is lost at higher voltages.

Note: This is very simplified and written so that it can be understood by non professionals.