Residential Load Calculator

NEC 220.82 optional method service sizing for single-family dwellings

General Loads

Living Area (sq ft)

6,000 VA lighting load (3 VA/sq ft)

Small Appliance Circuits

Min 2 required · 1500 VA each

Laundry Circuit (1500 VA)

Fixed Appliances (at 100%)

Electric Dryer (W)

Min 5000W per NEC 220.54

Range / Cooktop (W)

Full nameplate

Water Heater (W)

Dishwasher (W)

Disposal (W)

0 if none

Microwave (W)

0 if none

Other Fixed (W)

All others combined

HVAC — Largest Load Applied

NEC 220.82(C): Use the larger of cooling or electric heating load.

A/C

3 tons ≈ 3,600 VA

Electric Heat

Larger load applied: A/C 3,600 VA

Service Sizing Results

Minimum Service Size

150A

Calculated minimum: 135.4A at 240V single-phase

General Loads (demand applied)

10,500 VA → demand factor

10,200 VA

Dryer

5,000 VA

Range

8,000 VA

Water Heater

4,500 VA

Dishwasher

1,200 VA

HVAC (largest)

3,600 VA

Total Demand Load32,500 VA

NEC 220.82 Method Summary

220.123 VA/sq ft for general lighting

220.52(A)1500 VA per small appliance circuit (min 2)

220.52(B)1500 VA for laundry circuit

220.82(B)General loads: first 10,000 VA at 100%, remainder at 40%

220.82(C)Fixed appliances at 100%; HVAC: use largest of heat or cooling

220.54Dryer: nameplate or 5000W minimum, whichever is larger

For dwellings with 240V single-phase service. EV chargers, hot tubs, and pools add at 100%. Consult AHJ for local amendments.

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