---
title: "What Is Voltage drop? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "Voltage drop is the loss of voltage along a wire as current flows through it. It grows with longer runs, higher current and thinner wire."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage-drop
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Wiring and circuits

# Voltage drop

Voltage drop is the loss of voltage along a wire as current flows through it. It grows with longer runs, higher current and thinner wire.

Southwire explains that as current flows through conductors, part of the system voltage is used up by conductor resistance. Length, load current, conductor size and material all matter. Longer runs and higher current raise the drop, and larger conductors and copper lower it.

Too much drop can dim lights and make motors run hot. Long runs to a detached garage or pool equipment need extra care. Pick [wire gauge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-gauge) with length in mind. A licensed electrician sizes the wire. Compare [voltage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage). See [residential electrical services](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/residential-electrical-services).

[Daniel Electric can helpResidential electrician](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrician)

## Related terms

-   [Wire gauge](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/wire-gauge)
-   [Voltage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/voltage)
-   [Ampacity](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/ampacity)
-   [Amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage)

## Sources

1.  [Southwire: Voltage Drop Fundamentals and Best Practices](https://www.southwire.com/medias/2602-Canada-Cable-Pull-Tensions-Whitepaper-HIGHRES-2-1-1-1-.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8NDU1NzIzfGFwcGxpY2F0aW9uL3BkZnxoYWMvaGRlLzk2NzIyNjAyODg1NDIvMjYwMl9DYW5hZGFfQ2FibGVfUHVsbF9UZW5zaW9uc19XaGl0ZXBhcGVyX0hJR0hSRVMgKDIpICgxKSAoMSkgKDEpLnBkZnw3OWQ5OTA5YWRhNjM1YzlkZmU0OGQ3NDc0ZGEyNzRlOTY3MjgwNThkNjhlMzNlZDI0MDlhM2RlNjc2MWY5ODE5)
2.  [Southwire: Voltage Drop Fundamentals and Best Practices](https://www.southwire.com/medias/2602-Canada-Cable-Pull-Tensions-Whitepaper-HIGHRES-2-1-1-1-.pdf?context=bWFzdGVyfHJvb3R8NDU1NzIzfGFwcGxpY2F0aW9uL3BkZnxoYWMvaGRlLzk2NzIyNjAyODg1NDIvMjYwMl9DYW5hZGFfQ2FibGVfUHVsbF9UZW5zaW9uc19XaGl0ZXBhcGVyX0hJR0hSRVMgKDIpICgxKSAoMSkgKDEpLnBkZnw3OWQ5OTA5YWRhNjM1YzlkZmU0OGQ3NDc0ZGEyNzRlOTY3MjgwNThkNjhlMzNlZDI0MDlhM2RlNjc2MWY5ODE5)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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