Hi all, my question is related to NEC 220.82(B)(1) when doing dwelling unit load calculations. The section says that you take 3VA/ft^2 for general lighting and general-use receptacles. If I know the exact lighting load because I have the amount of lights and the wattage of those lights, and if I have the exact amount of general-use receptacles and took them at 180VA each, could I use those values instead of doing what NEC says? Thanks for the help!
NEC 220.82(B)(1) Clarification
- Thread starter wfrank
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LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
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- Henrico County, VA
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- Electrical Contractor
Welcome to the forum.
You certainly can, but you still need to meet the minimum, largely because receptacle loads are unknown.
You certainly can, but you still need to meet the minimum, largely because receptacle loads are unknown.
- Location
- Chapel Hill, NC
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- Retired Electrical Contractor
180va per receptacle has no meaning in a dwelling. You need to do a dwelling calculation but you are free to go larger. Imo, it isn't worth the time and effort to use those non-dwelling numbers unless those numbers are higher than a standard or optional calculation.
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