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HOME > NEC > CODE BASICS > DWELLING UNIT CALCULATIONS
Nov 1, 2009
Mike Holt
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A dwelling unit is a single unit that provides complete and independent living facilities,
according to the NEC definition found in Art. 100 (Fig. 1 ).
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Dwelling units have special requirements for load calculations. Although most of the
actual load calculation requirements are in Art. 220, others are scattered throughout the
Code and still come into play when making certain calculations (Where to Find
Dwelling Unit Code Requirements Outside Art. 220). Keep the following
considerations in mind when making dwelling unit calculations:
Voltages. Unless other voltages are specified, calculate branch-circuit, feeder, and service
loads using the nominal system voltage [220.5(A)]. For a single-family dwelling unit, the
Transformer Grounding
Required circuits. In addition to the circuits required for dedicated appliances and
those needed to serve the general lighting and receptacle load, a dwelling unit must
have the following circuits:
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A minimum of two 20A, 120V small-appliance branch circuits for receptacles in the
kitchen, dining room, breakfast room, pantry, or similar dining areas [220.11(C)(1)].
These circuits must not be used to serve other outlets, such as lighting outlets or
receptacles from other areas [210.52(B)(2) Ex]. These circuits are included in the
feeder/service calculation at 1,500VA for each circuit [220.52(A)].
One 20A, 120V branch circuit for the laundry receptacle(s). It cant serve any other
outlet(s), such as lighting, and can serve only receptacle outlets in the laundry area
[210.52(F) and 210.11(C)(2)]. In your feeder/service load calculation, include 1,500VA for
the 20A laundry receptacle circuit [220.52(B)], as shown in Fig. 2.
Feeder and service calculations. Occupants dont use all loads simultaneously
under normal living conditions, so demand factors can be applied to many of the
dwelling unit loads in order to size the service. Some demand factors provided in the
Code are intended for use in dwellings only; others are allowed only in non-dwellings.
Therefore, be careful to apply demand factors only as allowed by the NEC.
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The NEC provides two dwelling service load calculation methods: the standard method
and the optional method.
Standard method for feeder and service load calculations
receptacles [220.12]. When determining the area, use the outside dimensions of the
dwelling. Dont include open porches, garages, or spaces not adaptable for future use.
2. Small appliance and laundry circuits. The 3VA per sq ft rule includes general lighting
and all 15A and 20A, 125V general-use receptacles, but doesnt include small-appliance
or laundry circuit receptacles. Therefore, you must calculate those at 1,500VA per circuit.
See 220.14(J) for details.
3. Number of branch circuits. Determine the number of branch circuits required for general
lighting and general-use receptacles from the general lighting load and rating of the
circuits [210.11(A)]. Although this is explained in Annex D, Example D1(a) of the NEC,
lets look at an another example.
Understanding NEC
Requirements for Grounding vs
Bonding
One of the most confusing areas of the
trade continues to be grounding and
bonding, which is why this book needs to be in the
hands...
Question: Whats the general lighting and receptacle load for a 2,000-sq-ft dwelling
unit that has 34 convenience receptacles and 12 luminaires rated 100W each (Fig. 3)?
Sample
Sample
Now lets work through an example to determine the number of circuits required.
Question: How many 15A circuits are required for a 2,000-sq-ft dwelling unit?
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steps:
1. General loads [220.82(B)]
2. Heating and air-conditioning load [220.82(C)]
3. Feeder/service conductors [310.15(B)(6)]
Question: What size service conductor is required for a 1,500-sq-ft dwelling unit
containing the following loads?
Cooktop: 6,000VA
Disposal: 900VA
Dishwasher: 1,200VA
Dryer: 4,000VA
Ovens (two each): 3,000VA
Water heater: 4,500VA
A/C: 17A, 230V
Electric heating (one control unit): 10kVA
Step 1: General loads [220.82(B)]
General lighting: 1,500 sq ft x 3VA = 4,500VA
Small-appliance circuits: 1,500VA x 2 circuits = 3,000VA
Laundry circuit: 1,500VA
Appliances (nameplate):
Cooktop: 6,000VA
Disposal: 900VA
Dishwasher: 1,200VA
Dryer: 4,000VA
Ovens (each 3 kW): 6,000VA
Water heater: 4,500VA
Total connected load: 31,600VA
First 10kW at 100%: 10,000VA x 1.00 = 10,000VA
Remainder at 40%: 21,600VA x 0.40 = 8,640VA
Calculated general load: 10,000VA + 8,640VA
Calculated general load: 18,640VA
Step 2: Air-Conditioning versus heat [220.82(C)]
Air-conditioning at 100% [220.82(C)(1)] vs. electric space heating at 65%
[220.82(C)(4)]
Air conditioner [Table 430.248]:
A/C VA = V x A
A/C VA = 230V x 17A
A/C VA = 3,910VA (omit)
Electric space heat: 10,000VA x 0.65 = 6,500VA
Step 3: Feeder/service conductors [310.15(B)(6)]
Calculated general load (Step 1): 18,640VA
Heat calculated load (Step 2): 6,500VA
Total calculated load = 18,640VA + 6,500VA = 25,140VA
I = VA E
I = 25,140VA 240V = 105A
Therefore, the feeder/service ungrounded conductor is sized to 110A, 3 AWG
[310.15(B)(6)].
The Code doesnt explain how demand factors were derived, and its not essential that
you understand this in order to apply them correctly. Be sure to work on some practice
calculations so you understand how to apply the various demand factors to a dwelling
unit calculation.
The standard calculation and the optional calculation methods were both discussed in
this article. These are two distinctly different calculation methods, so be careful not to
mix them. Remember that the standard method is in Part III of Art. 220, and the
optional method is contained in Part IV. When you are evaluating the necessary loads
in either type of calculation method, follow the requirements for specific loads covered
in other Articles outside of Art. 220. Which method is better to use? On an exam, youll
likely be told which method to use on a specific question. However, if the question
doesnt specify a method, use the standard calculation. The optional method is usually
faster and easier to apply, so it has a natural advantage for daily use on the job.
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on Jan 2, 2013
is this for a house or an add on? because if it is for a house, for a single family dwelling
disconnecting means shall have a rating of not less than 100amp 3 wire service.
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CameronRobertson
Would this apply for a bunker? I have some customers who are interested in renting or
buying a portable storage unit to serve as a bunker and they have been wondering about
how to wire their bunker up. Do let me know, as Im sure my customers would be keen to
have their temporary homes up to standard.
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