Summary: The size of the home electrical service panel is designed by calculating the square footage of the home and factoring in the code requirements for the electrical circuits that are required.
Electrical Wiring Circuits for a Typical Family Home
This electric circuit listing is based on a single family home of 3000 square foot with the following electrical loads:
1- 12 kw electric range
20 kw of electric space heating (1 central elect. heating unit)
1- 5 kw electric water heater
1-central air conditioner, 9 kw
1- dishwasher, 1 kw
1- disposal, 0.9 kw
1- electric clothes dryer, 4500 watt
Electric Circuit Listing - Home 3000 sq. ft.
NEC Ref.
Circuit
VA
Breaker
220-3a
General Lighting, 3000 sq ft x 3 watts = 9000
--
1-pole 15
220-16a
2 Small Appliance, 1500 ea= 3000
--
1-pole 20
220-16b
Laundry (Washing Machine) = 1500
--
1-pole 20
T 220-11
Total General Lighting, Small Appl., Laundry = 13500
--
T 220-11
Apply Demands, 1st 3000 watts
3000
T 220-11
Balance(10500 watts) at 35 percent
3675
220-18
Dryer (minimum 5k)
5000
2-pole 30
220-19
Range (from col C)
8000
2-pole 50
220-17
Add Fixed Appliance x 100 percent (not more than four)
Note:
Smoke Detectors are not required to be on a dedicated circuit. Smoke detectors are typically shared on a lighting circuit such as the hallway lights, this way if the circuit is off for any reason it will be noticed.
Questions about Home Electrical Circuits
Robert in Delaware asks: Electrical Circuits
What circuits have to be wired with 12-2 wire?
Dave’s Reply: Home Electrical Circuits
12-2 Type-NM cable is rated at 20 amps, therefore this cable is typically used for general purpose branch circuits such as kitchen GFCI outlets. However 12-2 Type-NM cable is also used for dedicated circuits for various small equipment such as a whole house vacuum system or a clothes washer.
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Installing Electric Circuits
Electrical Project Skill Level:
Intermediate to Advanced - Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor.
Electrical Tools Required:
Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time:
Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area. Electrical Safety:
Identify the panel circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the wiring. Working in an electric panel is dangerous due to arc flash hazards and the possibility of electric shock.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials:
Electrical parts and materials for circuit wiring projects should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections:
Installing additional electrical circuit wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes with a permit and be inspected.
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