Unexpected voltage drop across resistive load.

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,587
So the supply voltage at the source is 12.000 volts, while at the load the voltage is 11.7 volts, with 1.82 amps flowing. So we can calculate the total loop resistance with Volts= current x resistance, and then resistance = voltage/current -> R=0.30/ 1.82=0.164 ohms, which includes the resistance of the wire, the connections , and any splices.And that includes the assumption that the source supply regulation is perfect.
 

MisterBill2

Joined Jan 23, 2018
27,587
In this case, it is entirely possible that the voltage drop is caused by resistance in the connection points of the heavy jumper wire connections. That source of resistance is difficult to duplicate and a challenge to measure accurately. In addition, consider that the millivolts of voltage drop in a loop add up, and accurately determining the location and magnitude of such voltage drops is not simple nor easy..
 
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