Meters and troubleshootingQuestion 732 of 1506

What is the main weakness of a voltage signal over a long two-wire cable?

  1. Cable resistance drops some voltage and causes an error at the indicator
  2. The signal can never reach the indicator over a long cable
  3. The signal is always 4-20 mA
  4. The signal turns to AC after it has gone through the long cable
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Correct answer: Cable resistance drops some voltage and causes an error at the indicator

The indicator draws a little current, and the cable resistance drops some voltage, so the indicator sees less than the transmitter sends.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 9.2: Voltage Signal Systems

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026