Electrical Panel Load Calculator
Calculate total connected load, demand load (after demand factors), and verify your electrical panel capacity per NEC guidelines.
Panel Settings
Lighting & Receptacle Loads
Fixed Appliance Loads
HVAC Loads
Formulas Used (NEC Standard Method)
1. General Lighting Load (NEC 220.12):
Lighting VA = Floor Area (sq ft) × VA/sq ft factor
2. Small Appliance & Laundry (NEC 220.52):
Each circuit = 1,500 VA (minimum 2 small appliance + 1 laundry required)
3. Lighting Demand Factor (NEC Table 220.42):
First 3,000 VA @ 100% + Next (3,001–120,000 VA) @ 35% + Remainder @ 25%
4. Range Demand (NEC Table 220.55):
Single unit ≤ 12 kW → 8,000 VA; >12 kW → 8,000 + 5% per kW over 12 kW
5. Dryer Demand (NEC 220.54):
max(5,000 W, nameplate rating) @ 100%
6. Fixed Appliance Demand (NEC 220.53):
< 4 appliances → 100%; ≥ 4 appliances → 75% demand factor
7. HVAC — Non-Coincident Loads (NEC 220.60):
Use the larger of A/C or Electric Heat (they don't run simultaneously)
8. Largest Motor 125% Rule (NEC 430.24):
Motor VA × 1.25 (25% adder on largest motor)
9. Panel Capacity:
Single Phase: VA = V × A
Three Phase: VA = V × A × √3
10. Demand Current:
Single Phase: I = Total Demand VA ÷ V
Three Phase: I = Total Demand VA ÷ (V × √3)
11. NEC 80% Continuous Load Rule (NEC 210.20, 215.3):
Continuous loads must not exceed 80% of breaker rating.
Load % = (Demand Current ÷ Breaker Rating) × 100
Assumptions & References
- Calculations follow NEC 2023 (NFPA 70) Standard Method for dwelling units.
- Lighting demand factors from NEC Table 220.42 (residential occupancy = 3 VA/sq ft per NEC 220.12).
- Small appliance circuits: minimum 2 required per NEC 220.52(A); laundry minimum 1 per NEC 220.52(B).
- Range demand based on NEC Table 220.55, Column C (single household cooking appliance).
- Dryer demand per NEC 220.54: 5,000 W minimum or nameplate, whichever is greater.
- Fixed appliance 75% demand factor applies when 4 or more appliances per NEC 220.53.
- Non-coincident HVAC loads: only the larger of A/C or heat is counted per NEC 220.60.
- Motor 125% rule per NEC 430.24 applies to the largest motor only.
- NEC 80% rule for continuous loads per NEC 210.20(A) and 215.3.
- Standard breaker sizes per NEC 240.6(A).
- This calculator provides an estimate. Always consult a licensed electrician and local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for final design.
- Three-phase calculations use line-to-line voltage and √3 factor.
- Power factor assumed = 1.0 (VA = W) for resistive loads; motor loads may vary.