1. What is House Load Calculation?

House load calculation is a method used to determine the total electrical load requirement for a residential building according to Canadian Electrical Code standards. It ensures proper sizing of electrical service and prevents overloading.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the residential electrical load formula:

Where:

• \( Appliance\ Watts \) — Total wattage of all electrical appliances
• \( Demand\ Factors \) — Percentage factors applied based on Canadian Electrical Code requirements
• \( Load \) — Final calculated load in volt-amperes (VA)

Explanation: The calculation accounts for the total connected load and applies demand factors to determine the actual expected load, as not all appliances operate simultaneously at full capacity.

3. Importance of Load Calculation

Details: Accurate load calculation is essential for proper electrical system design, ensuring safety, code compliance, and preventing circuit overloads that could lead to fire hazards.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the total appliance wattage in watts and the applicable demand factors as percentages. Common demand factors include 100% for first 10kVA, 40% for remainder, etc.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What are typical demand factors in Canadian code?
A: Common factors include 100% of first 10kVA, 40% of remainder for general lighting; specific factors for ranges, dryers, and other major appliances.

Q2: Why use VA instead of watts?
A: Volt-amperes account for both real power (watts) and reactive power, providing a more accurate measure of total electrical load on the system.

Q3: When is this calculation required?
A: For all new residential construction, major renovations, and when adding significant electrical loads to existing installations.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This provides a basic calculation. Complex installations may require detailed load analysis considering diversity factors and specific appliance schedules.

Q5: Should this replace professional electrical design?
A: No, this calculator is for estimation purposes only. All electrical work should be designed and installed by qualified professionals.