We all know voltage drop is just a fine print note but there is a guy in this month's magazine advocating that it should be code. Any thoughts?

It is Code. Check Chapter 13 of the FBC. Has been for quite some time.
13-413.ABC.1 Voltage drop.

13-413.ABC.1.1 Feeders and customer-owned service conductors. Feeder and customer-owned service conductors shall be sized for a maximum voltage drop of 2 percent at design load.

13-413.ABC.1.2 Branch circuits. Branch circuit conductors shall be sized for a maximum voltage drop of 3 percent at design load.

I've been saying this for a long time. You need to stop thinking that the NEC is the Electrical Code for Florida. It is not. It is the Standard that we use. The Electrical Code is in the Florida Building Code. There is a lot of stuff there and if you haven't read it you've been missing a lot.

Look at Chapter 3,7,13 to start

I was really referring to the NEC in this case.

I do think Florida should get all the "electrical" things in the "electrical" chapter, just for simplicity but that is counter intuitive when you are talking about the government isn't it.

Don't forget we have a energy code also.
And lest we forget the mechanical code that has some electrical requirements.
And ADA
And????

Yes I was siting the Energy Code above for V/D

Yea,it just goes on and on John.
The days of using just the NEC are gone today.
Just my opinion!
Also don't forget most AHJ's also use the UL White book.
OMG!!!! another reference

I wouldn't mind VD becoming a mandatory requirement in the NEC as I do think it is important, however I am not sure it fits into the purpose of the code. Then again, there are many sections of the code which are not exactly a pure life and property safety requirement.

Perhaps they should split the code up into three general categories.

1. MUST DO
2. SHOULD DO
3. CAN DO

Maybe that isn't such a good idea...

I do believe Florida could incorporate all of these standards into one "electrical" code. I suppose we might eventually get used to looking in a half dozen books to size a feeder but that is certainly not the easy way to do it. When you add the 200 or so of separate interpretations the various AHJs have to the codes as written this is far from a uniform place for a contractor to work in. You need a GPS connected to your code book software to apply it.

The wheels are turning now! My million dollar idea! (or yours but I am stealing it!)

This discussion does prompt an interesting question. How many of you require V/D calculations when plans are submitted?

I do. In some cases, I will allow a general statement to be made about voltage drop on the plans if it does not appear any specific feeders or BC runs will be that long. It really has never been that much of an issue. Occasionally, you get a long homerun for feeders or a house circuit or perhpas parking lot lighting, but for the most part, VD is fairly limited by typical design.

only when referenced in the plans or specs

It would be interesting to run V/D calcs on an HVAC condenser, sized to the nameplate minimum circuit ampacity.

Well I can tell you that in my home. The building is a long narrow home that turns 90 degrees for the three car garage. L shaped home.
The panel is in the garage
I have never considered VD for a residence. Especially for a 2100 sq foot home.
But I can tell you I have a serious VD issue in the longest circuit.
Especially when my wife uses the hair dryer.
One of these days I will replace the home run from #12 with #10.

You get what you pay for...although it is heat loss (I*R) and definately should be in our energy code...You are all very knowledgable..

V/D is I*R heat loss so I like seeing it in the energy code...I look at long runs with significant load for conductor sizing...my main concern with oversizing the circuit is to educate designers and contractors to additionally oversize the equipment grounding conductor as required in NEC 250-122; I see that as the real safety issue such as parking lot lighting runs...

Yes, all references and FBC form the requirements as in any discipline...