Electrical Load Formula:
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Definition: This calculator estimates the total electrical load of a home by summing the power consumption of all appliances and converting to kilowatts.
Purpose: It helps homeowners and electricians determine the total power requirements for proper electrical system design and safety.
The calculator uses the formula:
Where:
Explanation: The wattage of all appliances are summed and divided by 1000 to convert to kilowatts.
Details: Proper load calculation ensures your electrical system can handle demand, prevents circuit overloads, and helps with energy planning.
Tips: Enter the number of appliances and their individual wattage ratings. Common appliance wattages:
Q1: Why convert to kilowatts?
A: Kilowatts are the standard unit for electrical system capacity and utility billing.
Q2: How do I find appliance wattage?
A: Check manufacturer labels, specifications, or use a wattage meter.
Q3: Should I include all appliances?
A: Yes, for accurate load calculation, include everything that uses electricity.
Q4: What about appliances not always running?
A: The calculation shows peak load when everything runs simultaneously.
Q5: How does this relate to circuit breakers?
A: Your main breaker should handle at least 125% of your calculated load.