I received the following rejection on a project we did. It is a STANDARD rejection that was obviously copied and pasted. I used the same load calc I always use for commercial, (and never have issues with) which basically breaks everything down and takes the load at 100% except the lighting which I multiply at 125%. Heres the rejection:
Please revise the Service Calculation to conform to the prescriptives in the NEC: General Lighting load as greater of connected -OR- using value from Table 220.12 NEC; Comply with NEC 600.5 for sign circuit requirements. Calculate per 220.14(F) @ 125%; Gen. purpose receptacles @ 180VA; Special purpose/ dedicated loads shall be itemized @ actual value; HVAC: greater of Heat -OR- A/C (loads per 440.34); All Motor Loads (Largest @ 125%); All continuous loads @ 125% (sign, lighting, etc.); Storage Type Water Heaters (120g or less) shall be considered (calculated/ protected as) a continuous load (125%) per 422.13. *Also, itemize the following continuous outlet loads: Illuminated Menu, Backlit signage, etc. to demonstrate inclusion.
I know it looks like its long, but like I said its standard, I know this because he cites a electric storage water heater, but my water heater is a instant gas heater. My question is, it appears he wants me to multiply EVERYTHING almost by 125%, however the NEC only says to use 125% "For the purpose of sizing BRANCH circuits". For instance, a water heater has to be taken at 125% if it is under 125 gallons, however the code states that it is only for SIZING branch circuits. So if you have a water heater that is 4500 watts, the breaker is required to be sized for 125% however, the load itself should be taken at 100%. If you read the rejection, it appears he wants me to artificially increase the load correct? Also, I usually DO increase my lighting in the load calc by multiplying my lighting load by 1.25, but this also is only supposed to be for sizing branch circuits.
Any opinions would be appreciated because I see this interpreted differently quite often, thanks.
Please revise the Service Calculation to conform to the prescriptives in the NEC: General Lighting load as greater of connected -OR- using value from Table 220.12 NEC; Comply with NEC 600.5 for sign circuit requirements. Calculate per 220.14(F) @ 125%; Gen. purpose receptacles @ 180VA; Special purpose/ dedicated loads shall be itemized @ actual value; HVAC: greater of Heat -OR- A/C (loads per 440.34); All Motor Loads (Largest @ 125%); All continuous loads @ 125% (sign, lighting, etc.); Storage Type Water Heaters (120g or less) shall be considered (calculated/ protected as) a continuous load (125%) per 422.13. *Also, itemize the following continuous outlet loads: Illuminated Menu, Backlit signage, etc. to demonstrate inclusion.
I know it looks like its long, but like I said its standard, I know this because he cites a electric storage water heater, but my water heater is a instant gas heater. My question is, it appears he wants me to multiply EVERYTHING almost by 125%, however the NEC only says to use 125% "For the purpose of sizing BRANCH circuits". For instance, a water heater has to be taken at 125% if it is under 125 gallons, however the code states that it is only for SIZING branch circuits. So if you have a water heater that is 4500 watts, the breaker is required to be sized for 125% however, the load itself should be taken at 100%. If you read the rejection, it appears he wants me to artificially increase the load correct? Also, I usually DO increase my lighting in the load calc by multiplying my lighting load by 1.25, but this also is only supposed to be for sizing branch circuits.
Any opinions would be appreciated because I see this interpreted differently quite often, thanks.