What Is a Load Calculation?
A load calculation is an estimate of the electrical power a building or selected equipment needs. It accounts for the power demands of appliances and other connected devices. For generator installation, the result helps determine what capacity is needed to run the loads chosen for backup.
Quick Facts About Load Calculation
- Category
- Electrical demand planning
- Used for
- Generator sizing
- Common confusion
- Breaker rating versus power demand
- Also called
- Electrical Load Calculation
- Often discussed with
- Generator Installation, Generator Transfer Switch Installation
Key Takeaways About Load Calculation
- A generator load calculation can cover selected backup loads.
- Motor startup demand can affect generator selection.
- A breaker rating isn't the same as actual power demand.
How Load Calculation Works
A load calculation starts with the equipment you want to power. Nameplates and equipment documents list electrical ratings that help establish each load's demand. An electrician also considers which equipment may run at the same time.
Related glossary terms: Electrical Load, Breaker Panel, Transfer Switch.
Some motors draw more power as they start than while they run. An air conditioner is an example of a load with startup demand. A generator must be able to handle that demand as well as the running load.
The result helps guide generator selection and the choice of backup circuits. A transfer switch connects the selected circuits to the generator during an outage. Some systems manage loads by keeping certain equipment off when capacity is needed elsewhere.
From the Earth Electric team
When we plan a generator installation, we ask which equipment you want to keep running. We check equipment ratings and consider how those loads start and run. We also look at whether load management could help fit your backup plan.
Load Calculation in Practice: A Real-World Example
A homeowner wants a generator to run a refrigerator and an air conditioner during an outage. The load calculation accounts for their running demands and the air conditioner's startup demand. The result guides the choice of generator capacity.
Related Terms
Electrical Load
An electrical load is the demand for electrical power placed on a circuit or electrical system by connected equipment.
Breaker Panel
A breaker panel is an electrical enclosure that distributes power to circuits in a building.
Transfer Switch
A transfer switch is an electrical device that changes a building's power source from utility service to a generator.
Circuit Overload
A circuit overload is a condition that occurs when connected devices draw more electrical current than a circuit is designed to carry.
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Have Questions About Load Calculation?
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