Electrical Load Calculation: Sizing Your System
Is your home's electrical service large enough? Answering this question is crucial before adding major appliances or undertaking a renovation. An electrical load calculation is a systematic way to determine the total amount of electricity your home requires. It ensures your electrical panel and service are adequately sized to handle the demand safely, preventing overloads and potential hazards.
🤔 Why is a Load Calculation Necessary?
Your home's electrical service (measured in amps) has a finite capacity. A load calculation is performed to:
📊 How the Calculation Works (Simplified)
While the full NEC calculation is complex and best left to an electrician, the basic principle involves adding up all the potential electrical loads in your home. This is done in watts or volt-amps (VA).
signs Signs Your Service Might Be Undersized
You may need a service upgrade if you notice these issues.
Warning Signs:
- Lights dimming when a large appliance (like the A/C) turns on.
- You have to turn off one appliance to use another without tripping a breaker.
- Your main breaker trips periodically.
- You are planning to add a high-power device like an EV charger.
A 200-amp service is the modern standard for most new homes, providing ample capacity for today's electrical demands. Many older homes still have 60-amp or 100-amp services, which are often insufficient.
Don't guess when it comes to your home's electrical capacity. The Box Advantage Group provides professional load calculations and electrical service upgrades. Contact us before your next big project to ensure your system can handle the power safely.
