The NEC guideline for voltage drop is 3%. For a 240-volt system, the minimum circuit voltage is approximately which value?

• A. 232 Volts
• B. 240 Volts
• C. 235 Volts
• D. 226 Volts

Answer: (A)

Voltage drop of 3% means the voltage at the far end should be at least 97% of the source. For a 240 V system, 97% is 240 × 0.97 = 232.8 V. So the minimum circuit voltage is about 232.8 V, and the closest whole-volt value is 232 V. The other options either imply no drop (240 V) or a larger/smaller drop not aligned with the 3% guideline, so 232 V is the best approximation.