Why must the primary distribution cables be as short as possible when installed at a bare base?

Why must the primary distribution cables be as short as possible when installed at a bare base?

• A. To prevent voltage drop at the secondary distribution center
• B. To reduce leakage
• C. To simplify routing
• D. To minimize cost

Answer: (A)

Keep the primary distribution run short to minimize voltage drop. The voltage seen at the end of a feeder under load is reduced by V = I × R, so the longer the feeder, the higher the resistance and the greater the drop. When feeding a transformer at the bare base, a short primary keeps the input voltage to the transformer near its rated level, which in turn helps ensure the secondary distribution voltages stay within spec. While routing or cost considerations matter, they don’t protect against voltage regulation issues the way reducing length does. Leakage paths aren’t the main factor here; they’re governed more by insulation than by line length.

Keep the primary distribution run short to minimize voltage drop. The voltage seen at the end of a feeder under load is reduced by V = I × R, so the longer the feeder, the higher the resistance and the greater the drop. When feeding a transformer at the bare base, a short primary keeps the input voltage to the transformer near its rated level, which in turn helps ensure the secondary distribution voltages stay within spec. While routing or cost considerations matter, they don’t protect against voltage regulation issues the way reducing length does. Leakage paths aren’t the main factor here; they’re governed more by insulation than by line length.