I'm not in electrical design, Alan, but it's generally considered fine to have a voltage drop up to 2%, with 5% as a maximum. I have never had an inspector mention it though. It's possible that a large house could have a circuit (radial) well over 100 feet long (15 amp, 120 volt) that would be used for a vacuum or carpet cleaner (in an upstairs bedroom furthest from the distribution panel). Although not required, I run 12 gauge wire for general purpose outlets (for 20 amp circuits). I also oversize the wire often for motor loads.
I realize it's the amps that kill you, but it's the volts that push it through, so to speak. I generally handle wires as if they're live even when I know they're not, and use 600 volt gloves much more since reading safety posts on the internet!
Dave
