Homepage Fill Your LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation Form
Jump Links

The LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation form serves as a vital tool for ensuring that electrical systems are designed and installed safely and effectively in compliance with local regulations. This form is used by contractors and engineers to determine the expected electrical load for residential and commercial buildings. It incorporates a variety of factors, including the type of occupancy, the number of circuits, and the specific electrical appliances that will be utilized. By accurately calculating the load, professionals can ensure that the electrical service provided is adequate to meet the demands of the building, preventing potential hazards such as overloads or outages. Additionally, the form includes sections for documenting the service size, branch circuits, and any special considerations that may affect the load calculation. This thorough approach not only promotes safety but also helps streamline the permitting process, making it easier for projects to move forward without unnecessary delays.

LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation Preview

NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation for Single Family Dwellings

(Only for Service Ratings of 120/240V, 225 Amps Max)

 

 

Owner:

 

 

 

 

Location:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Floor Area of Dwelling (NEC 220.12)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SQFT.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Factor

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Quantity

 

 

Volt Amperes

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(VA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

“General Lighting”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

1.

General Lighting (SQFT X 3 VA/SQ FT (Table 220.12)

3 X

sqft.

 

 

 

2.

Small Appliance Circuits (1500 VA per circuit)

(NEC

1500 X

 

 

 

 

 

220.52(A)) (minimum 2)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

Laundry Circuit (1500 VA per circuit) (NEC 220.52(B))

1500 X

 

 

 

 

4.

Total General Lighting Load (Add lines 1, 2 & 3):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

5.

First 3000 VA @ 100%:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

3000

6.

Total General Lighting Load – 3000 =

 

 

@ 35%=

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

7.

Net General Lighting Load (Per NEC 220.42) (Add lines 5 & 6):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Fixed Appliances(if insufficient space, use back):

 

 

YES

NO

 

 

 

Garbage Disposal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bathroom Fan

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Microwave

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dishwasher

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total

 

 

 

8.

3 or less Appliances,

Total Appliance VA;

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4 or more Appliances,

75% of Total Appliance VA (NEC 220.53):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Other Loads (including motors, EV charger(s), etc.)

 

 

YES

NO

 

Nameplate Rating

 

 

 

(VA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9. Electric

Range (8000VA or Nameplate)**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

10. HVAC

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

11.

Electric

Oven

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

12.

Electric

Dryer (5000 VA minimum)**

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

13.

Electric

Vehicle Charger

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

14.

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

15.

Other:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

16.

25% of largest motor (NEC 430.24)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Total Service Load Volt-Amperes (VA) (Add lines 7, 8 & 9 thru 16) =

 

 

 

 

Total Service Load Volt-Amperes / 240-volts =

 

 

Amperes

 

 

 

 

***Service Rating (Amperes)=

*For every “YES” answer, indicate VA rating of equipment

**Nameplate rating must be used if larger

***Service Rating shall be greater than or equal to the Service load

As a covered entity under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City of Los Angeles does not discriminate on t he basis of disability and, upon request will provide reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access to its programs, services and activities.

NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation (Rev. 03-23-2016)

www.ladbs.org

Common mistakes

  1. Incomplete Information: Many individuals fail to fill out all required sections of the form. This can lead to delays in processing or even rejection of the application. Always double-check to ensure that every section is filled out completely.

  2. Incorrect Load Calculations: Miscalculating the electrical load is a common mistake. It's essential to understand how to accurately calculate the total load based on the specific appliances and systems in your project. Take your time to ensure your calculations are correct.

  3. Neglecting to Include Future Expansion: Some people forget to account for future electrical needs. If you plan to expand your electrical system or add new appliances, include those potential loads in your calculations. This foresight can save you time and money later.

  4. Not Using the Correct Units: Using the wrong units of measurement can lead to significant errors. Ensure that you are using the appropriate units, whether it’s watts, volts, or amps. Consistency is key.

  5. Failing to Review Local Codes: Local electrical codes can vary, and overlooking them can lead to compliance issues. Before submitting your form, familiarize yourself with any specific regulations that may apply to your project. This step is crucial for a smooth approval process.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation form, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accuracy and compliance. Here’s a list of what to do and what to avoid.

  • Do read the instructions carefully before starting.
  • Do gather all necessary information about the electrical loads.
  • Do use clear and legible handwriting or type the information.
  • Do double-check your calculations for accuracy.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; fill in all required fields.
  • Don't use abbreviations that might confuse the reviewer.
  • Don't submit the form without reviewing it for errors.

Misconceptions

Misconceptions about the LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation form can lead to confusion and errors in electrical planning. Here are seven common misconceptions:

  • It is only for commercial buildings. Many believe that this form is exclusively for commercial properties. In reality, it applies to both residential and commercial buildings, ensuring safety and compliance in all types of structures.
  • Only licensed electricians can fill it out. While licensed electricians are knowledgeable about the requirements, anyone involved in the planning process can complete the form. Understanding the load calculation is essential for accurate submissions.
  • It is optional for new constructions. Some assume that using this form is not mandatory for new buildings. However, it is a requirement to ensure that electrical systems are designed safely and effectively.
  • All calculations are the same for every project. Each project has unique needs. The calculations must be tailored to the specific electrical load requirements of the building being assessed.
  • Using outdated forms is acceptable. Some people think that older versions of the form can still be used. It is crucial to use the most current version to comply with the latest regulations and standards.
  • The form guarantees approval. Completing the form does not automatically mean that a project will be approved. It is just one step in the review process, and compliance with all regulations is necessary.
  • Load calculations are only needed for large projects. Many believe that only significant renovations or new constructions require load calculations. In truth, even small projects may need to consider electrical loads to ensure safety and functionality.

Detailed Guide for Using LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation

Filling out the LADBS NEC Standard Electrical Load Calculation form is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for ensuring that electrical installations meet safety and efficiency standards. Follow the steps below to complete the form accurately.

  1. Start with your project information. Fill in the project address, owner’s name, and contact details at the top of the form.
  2. Identify the type of occupancy. Indicate whether the building is residential, commercial, or industrial.
  3. List all the electrical loads. Include details such as lighting, heating, cooling, and appliances. Provide the wattage for each item.
  4. Calculate the total connected load. Add up all the wattages from the previous step to get the total connected load.
  5. Determine the demand factors. Refer to the NEC guidelines to find the appropriate demand factors for your specific occupancy type.
  6. Calculate the demand load. Apply the demand factors to the total connected load to arrive at the demand load.
  7. Complete the load summary section. This includes the total connected load and the calculated demand load.
  8. Sign and date the form. Ensure that the person responsible for the electrical calculations signs the form before submission.

Once the form is filled out, it should be submitted to the appropriate department for review and approval. Make sure to keep a copy for your records.