How to calculate panel load

[Latenighthunter01]

Good day, I am creating a panel schedule and need to put how much W each circuit is going to carry. My question is how do I calculate for each lighting and Receptacle for example the living room has 10 lights do I calculate it by using the square footage and multiplying by 3VA or do I use the fixture wattage. And for receptacle do I need to do it as 180 for each recaptacle?

 

[tortuga]

My question is how do I calculate for each lighting and Receptacle for example the living room has 10 lights do I calculate it by using the square footage and multiplying by 3VA

If your going by the NEC branch circuit loads are calculated per 210.11, which points you to 220.10 in the 2023 NEC, which then points you to 220.41 and then you get your answer yes you use 3VA per sq ft if its a one-family, two-family or multifamily dwelling and the lighting and receptacles are described in items 1-3.

 

[Latenighthunter01]

If your going by the NEC branch circuit loads are calculated per 210.11, which points you to 220.10 in the 2023 NEC, which then points you to 220.41 and then you get your answer yes you use 3VA per sq ft if its a one-family, two-family or multifamily dwelling and the lighting and receptacles are described in items 1-3.

And what about garages or those spaces not included as a dwelling because I see table 220.42(A), but those are for commercial right?

 

[suemarkp]

Some circuits can be zero, like bathroom 20A circuits, garages, and circuits for outside receptacles that arent serving inside too.

Doing a resi panel load schedule with VA loads marked like a commercial panel is kind of silly. Id just post the overall load calc and post that if needed.

 

[brycenesbitt]

Know that the panel calculations were revised downward in the 2026 code, to be more realistic.
You'll be quite safe with the 2026 calculations, assuming your jurisdiction will allow them.