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Electrical Load Calculation

Online Interactive Residential Electrical Load Calculator


residential-electrical-panel-calculations Summary: Residential Electrical Load Calculator, Online and Interactive provides accurate main service panel load calculations.


Check Out What Others Are Sharing at Ask the Electrician:
This is the first time I've used this kind of a service. So far, so good! Joseph from Virginia Beach, Virginia


Quick Start Guide for the Electrical Load Calculator
Let's get started. Advanced
Experienced Electricians
No explanation needed.
Review the basics. Intermediate
Inspectors and Teachers
Short Explanations to help you get started.
Please explain the process. Novice
Homeowners and Students
Detailed explanations to help you get it right.

Please Note: This online calculating tool requires javascript to be turned on in your browser.

Detailed Instructions for the Electrical Load Calculator.

Introduction to the Electrical Load calculator

The purpose of the residential electrical load calculation is to accurately determine the size of the electrical service base upon the electrical equipment that will be installed. The national electrical codes are the basis of making sure the electrical service is sized properly and installed correctly.

Step 1

The General Electrical Load Requirements are based on the inside square feet area of the home which is then used to calculate the basic lighting load and required appliance circuits. The Residential Electrical Load Calculator is Pre-Loaded with electrical information for you to chose from. Click on the Question Mark Buttons for more specific information relating to each section and entry.

Step 2

Appliances and Motor Type Loads are typically larger equipment used in the kitchen, laundry room, garage. Be sure to check the nameplate information for accurate calculations.

Step 3

Heating and Air Conditioning. Properly Identifying Heating and Air Conditioning Equipment is very important because the equipment typically requires a larger electrical load.

Step 4

Perform the Calculations: The Calculate button will perform calculations from the information you have provided in this form. The Calculate Button Must Be Pressed when any changes are made to the form.

The Basics of How Electrical Power is Measured and Calculated

What is VA?

VA is the abbreviation for volt-ampere, which is a unit of power that is determined by multiplying the voltage and the amperage current in a circuit. VA is a standard measurement of electrical power that is used for identifying electrical circuit component requirements.
Example: a 120 volt circuit which is providing 1 ampere = 120 volt-amperes.

The Difference Between VA and Watts?

A watt is a measure of true power which is required to perform work at the rate of 1 joule per second. The wattage is calculated by multiplying voltage times the power factor of the circuit.
Example: Watts = Voltage times the Amperage times the Power Factor.

What is Power Factor?

PF or Power Factor is the ratio of the actual power in watts to the apparent power in volt-amperes which is expressed as a percentage.
Example: 100% power factor is the best , however a typical power factor could range between 75 to 90%.

SPECIAL NOTE:
In some areas of the form below you can combine VA loads for multiple equipment with the specified section.





Brief Instructions for the Electrical Load Calculator

The load calculator is divided into three main sections which enable you to enter the necessary information about the home project and the proposed electrical equipment that will be installed.

The calculations conform to the national electrical codes which focus on required loads and factoring in the appliance and motor equipment. The question mark help buttons will assist you with detailed information about typical equipment loads which may be selected in the various drop down menus.

This Residential Electrical Load Calculator is Pre-Loaded with electrical information for you to chose from. Please use additional Question Mark Buttons for more specific information. For your convenience the Update and Calculate Buttons will Recalculate the entire form.




Residential Electrical Load Calculator for the Main Service

This form has been checked and the calculations are found to be perfect and accurate when following the instructions and providing accurate information.
Est. Minimum Size of the Electrical Service - 2020 NEC
Based upon NEC Articles 220.82(A), 220.82(B)(1), 220.82(B)(2), 220.82(C)
,220.82(A)

Step #1
General Electrical Load Requirements
Ref: NEC Article 220.82(B)(1)
Quantity Load Elect. Code & Information
Indoor Sq. Ft. Area of the Home - - -
Small Appliance Circuits 1500VA Ea.
Laundry Circuit 1500VA Ea.
Sec. #1 Sub-Total =
Sec. #1 Adjusted at 40% over 10K VA Sub-Total = - -

Step #2
Appliance & Motor Loads VA
Ref: NEC Article 220.82(B)(2)
 
Dryer
Oven(s)
Cook top Stove or Range
Cooking Unit / Microwave Oven
Water Heater
Hydro Massage Tub Motor
Dishwasher
Disposal
Garage Door Opener
Additional Appliance(s), Including EV Chargers
Sec. #2 Sub-Total = - -
First 10K VA @ 100%
Adjustment 40% of Remainder
Sec. #2 Adjusted Total =

Step #3
Heating & Air Conditioning VA
Ref: NEC Articles 220.82(B)(3) &(4), 220.82(C)
 
Single Source Heating Unit  
Heating and Air Conditioning Unit
OR Heat Pump without Supplemental Heat
Heating Unit with Supplemental Heat Source  
OR Supplemental Heating for Heat Pump
Heat Heat Pump
OR Separately Controlled -
Space Heaters VA Each
How Many Space Heaters
OR Continuous Electric Thermal Storage
Sec. #3 - Factors on the Highest Calculated Load : - -

Step #4
Perform the Calculations
Ref: NEC Article 220.82(A)
  - -
Calculated Total VA Load =
Calculated Total Amps Load =
Reset the Form - - -

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More Electrical Calculations and Formulas:

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IMPORTANT: The calculating tools are provided as a guide to assist you to understand the process of accurately sizing a residential electrical panel based on proposed loads. The results of the calculations are based upon the accuracy of the information that you provide. The [Calculate] Button must be pressed when any changes are made to the form. Accurate load sizing is best performed by a professional architect or engineer which is reviewed by the building department in your jurisdiction. Calculations may vary depending on actual Air Conditioning and Heating loads which may require adjustments. This tool is based upon NEC codes, however it is not authorized or intended to replace or represent official NEC calculations.


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Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.


  electrical wiring  

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Perfect for Homeowners, Students,
Handyman, Handywomen, and Electricians
Includes:
Wiring GFCI Outlets
Wiring Home Electric Circuits
120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits
Wiring Light Switches
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range
Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet
How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring
Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring
NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring
....and much more.


« Grounding and Home Electrical Wiring Electrical Apprenticeship 1 »


Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.





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