Total Load Audit
Aggregate multiple devices and machines to determine the total capacity required. Essential for panel sizing and infrastructure planning.
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*Recommended breaker includes 125% continuous load safety factor.
Load Calculation Formulas
Total load determines the current drawn, the breaker required, and whether your circuit is safely sized.
Total Circuit Current
I = ΣWatts ÷ Voltage Sum all loads on the circuit in watts, then divide by the supply voltage to get total current demand.
Breaker Size (NEC Rule)
Breaker ≥ Total Amps × 1.25 NEC requires continuous loads (operating 3+ hours) to not exceed 80% of breaker capacity — equivalent to sizing the breaker at 125% of the load.
How to Calculate Electrical Load
A load calculation determines how much current a circuit, panel, or service must supply to all connected devices. Accurate load calculations prevent overloaded circuits, nuisance breaker trips, overheated wiring, and fire hazards. They are also required by electrical codes before adding circuits or service upgrades.
The 80% Rule for Continuous Loads
Any load that operates continuously for 3 hours or more is a "continuous load" under the NEC. Continuous loads must not exceed 80% of the circuit breaker's rating. A 20A breaker can sustain no more than 16A of continuous current. This prevents breakers from operating near their thermal limit indefinitely, which reduces reliability and lifespan.
Types of Electrical Loads
- Resistive Loads: Electric heaters, incandescent bulbs, toasters. PF = 1.0. Current and voltage are in phase — easiest to calculate.
- Inductive Loads: Motors, fans, compressors, transformers. PF typically 0.7–0.9. Draw additional reactive current beyond what wattage suggests.
- Capacitive Loads: Certain electronic power supplies and long cable runs. PF leading. Less common in typical building loads.
- Non-Linear Loads: Variable speed drives, computers, LED drivers. Introduce harmonic currents that can cause overheating in neutral conductors and transformers.
Step-by-Step Load Calculation
- List All Loads: Include every device connected to the circuit or panel — lights, outlets, fixed appliances, HVAC, etc.
- Note Each Wattage: Use nameplate ratings. For receptacle circuits, NEC allows 180VA per outlet as a standard assumption.
- Classify Continuous vs. Non-Continuous: Apply the 80% rule only to loads running 3+ hours continuously.
- Sum the Total Amps: Divide total watts by supply voltage to get current. Add motor startup surge separately if needed.
- Select Breaker and Wire: Choose a breaker rated above your calculated load (with the 125% rule for continuous loads), and size wire to match using NEC ampacity tables.