NJ Residential Electrical Load Calculator
Calculate the minimum electrical service size for a New Jersey residential dwelling using the NEC Article 220 Standard Load Calculation method, as adopted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
Dwelling Information
Fixed Appliances (240V)
HVAC
EV Charging (if applicable)
Service Voltage
Formula & Calculation Method
NEC Article 220 Standard Load Calculation (as adopted by NJ DCA):
- General Lighting Load: Floor Area (sq ft) × 3 VA/sq ft (NEC 220.12)
- Small Appliance Circuits: 2 circuits × 1,500 VA = 3,000 VA (NEC 220.52(A))
- Laundry Circuit: 1 circuit × 1,500 VA = 1,500 VA (NEC 220.52(B))
- Demand Factor on General Load (NEC 220.42):
- First 3,000 VA @ 100%
- Next 3,001–120,000 VA @ 35%
- Remainder over 120,000 VA @ 25%
- Fixed Appliances (NEC 220.53): 75% demand factor if 4 or more appliances; otherwise 100%
- Electric Dryer: Nameplate or 5,000 VA minimum @ 100% (NEC 220.54)
- Electric Range: Per Table 220.55 Column C demand values
- HVAC — Noncoincident Loads: Larger of heating or cooling load @ 100% (NEC 220.60)
- EV Charger: 100% of nameplate (NEC 625.42)
- Service Amperage: I (A) = Total Demand VA ÷ Service Voltage (240V)
- Round up to nearest standard service size (100, 125, 150, 200, 225, 400 A)
Assumptions & References
- Calculation follows NEC 2020 Article 220 Standard (Optional) Load Calculation method, as adopted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
- New Jersey requires a minimum 200-ampere, 120/240-volt service for new single-family residential construction per NJ Uniform Construction Code (UCC).
- NEC 230.79(C) sets the absolute minimum at 100A for single-family dwellings.
- Noncoincident loads (heating vs. cooling) are handled per NEC 220.60 — only the larger load is counted.
- EV-ready requirements follow NJ Executive Order 100 and NEC 625.42 for Level 2 EVSE circuits.
- This tool uses the Standard Calculation method. The Optional Calculation (NEC 220.82) may yield different results and is also permitted.
- Gas appliances (range, dryer, water heater) contribute 0 watts to the electrical load calculation.
- All electrical installations in NJ require permits, inspections, and must be performed by a NJ licensed electrical contractor.
- Results are estimates only. Consult a licensed electrician and your local AHJ (Authority Having Jurisdiction) for final determinations.