Explain each of the following terms as used in cable size calculations: (i) ambient temperature; (ii) voltage drop. (4 marks)craft1 electrical June/July 2020

(i) Ambient temperature: Ambient temperature refers to the temperature of the surrounding environment in which a cable is installed. This is an important factor to consider when selecting a cable, as the temperature rating of the cable should be equal to or higher than the ambient temperature to ensure that the cable can operate safely.

(ii) Voltage drop: Voltage drop refers to the decrease in voltage that occurs along the length of a cable as a result of resistance in the conductor. Voltage drop can be a concern in long-distance or high-power applications, as it can reduce the efficiency of the system and cause the voltage at the load to be lower than the voltage at the source. To minimize voltage drop, it is important to choose a cable with a low resistance and to use a sufficiently large cross-sectional area to carry the required current.