The length of the service drop from the transformer pole to the customer’s main was 55’ of 1/0 triplex, what voltage drop would you expect at the weatherhead or meter base if 230V was available at the transformer secondary?

To calculate the voltage drop across the service drop, we need to apply the formula for voltage drop in an electrical conductor:

\[
V_{\text{drop}} = \frac{2 \cdot I \cdot L \cdot R}{1000}
\]

Where:
- \( V_{\text{drop}} \) is the voltage drop,
- \( I \) is the current (in amperes),
- \( L \) is the length of the conductor (in feet),
- \( R \) is the resistance of the wire (in ohms per 1000 feet),
- The factor of 2 accounts for the round-trip distance (since both the supply and return paths are considered).

We have the following details:
- \( L = 55 \, \text{feet} \),
- Voltage at the transformer secondary is 230V.

However, to calculate the voltage drop, we need two more pieces of information:
1. The current \( I \) flowing through the conductor,
2. The resistance \( R \) of 1/0 triplex wire per 1000 feet. For typical aluminum 1/0 triplex, the resistance is around **0.156 ohms per 1000 feet**.

Let’s first assume a certain load current. If you have the current or load specifications, we can plug it in to find the voltage drop more accurately.

Without a specified current, here’s a general example using 100 amperes (a reasonable estimate for residential loads):

\[
V_{\text{drop}} = \frac{2 \cdot 100 \cdot 55 \cdot 0.156}{1000} = 1.716 \, \text{V}
\]

So, with 100A of current, the voltage drop would be approximately 1.72V. The voltage at the weatherhead or meter base would be:

\[
V_{\text{meter}} = 230 \, \text{V} - 1.72 \, \text{V} = 228.28 \, \text{V}
\]

If you'd like a different current, I can adjust the calculation. Let me know if you'd like further details or clarifications!

### Related Questions:
1. How does the length of the service drop affect voltage drop in general?
2. What are typical resistances for different wire sizes and materials?
3. How does current affect the voltage drop in a power distribution system?
4. What are the consequences of too much voltage drop in residential service?
5. How can you reduce voltage drop over long service distances?

### Tip:
Ensure proper wire sizing for service drops to minimize voltage drops, especially for longer distances or higher current demands.

Discover how to calculate the voltage drop for a 55-foot length of 1/0 triplex wire with 230V at the transformer secondary. This solution explains key concepts in electrical engineering, including Ohm's Law and resistive voltage drop calculations, using a detailed example with a 100A current assumption.

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