Service Calculation

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jeff43222

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Minneapolis, Minnesota
I'm bidding on a kitchen remodel, and I suspect that a service upgrade might be warranted because of the increased load. The client is not interested in having her service upgraded unless it's absolutely necessary, so I am doing the math to see where things stand. She has 100A service, and my tentative calcs are showing demand loads in the 90s.

What I can't figure out is whether the kitchen refrigerator is supposed to be included in the appliance load calcs (2002 NEC 220.17). None of the examples include refrigerators, nor do any of the examples in Mike Holt's Exam Prep book include any.

I'm inclined to think that the fridge is included as part of the 220.16 calcs. Anyone else have any insight on this?
 
Re: Service Calculation

If it's on an individual circuit you need to use 220.3(B)(1).

Otherwise I bieleve it's already included from the requirements of Article 210.

You should wait for a second opinion though. This is all writen by CMP 2. I get confused and then I get a headache whenever I read anything writen By CMP 2.
 
Re: Service Calculation

From what I can see, 220.3(B)(1) covers branch circuit loads. What I'm looking for is service demand load. 220.17 talks about calculating appliance loads under the so-called standard method, but it doesn't mention refrigerators. 220.30 (B)(3) does specify that, under the optional method, the nameplate rating of any appliance on a "specific circuit" must be added.

So from what I can see, refrigerators per se aren't specifically included under the standard method, but they are under the optional method if they are on their own circuits (which they often are).
 
Re: Service Calculation

Well, Are you using the standard or optional method? You can't use both at the same time.

I read it again, you're right, 220.3(B)(1) doesn't say individual circuit. It says "specific appliance or other load not covered"....

I still think the fridge is already covered.

Have you done both the standard and the optional method? Could solve the problem.
 
Re: Service Calculation

The refrigerator in the kitchen is covered under one of the two small appliance branch circuits for the kitchen. See 210-52(B)(1) "and receptacle outlet for refrigeration equipment." In my opinion the refrig calc would be covered in the 1500va requirement of 220-16.

[ February 16, 2005, 04:43 PM: Message edited by: grant ]
 
Re: Service Calculation

Posted by Jeff:

From what I can see, 220.3(B)(1) covers branch circuit loads.
Click to expand...
Yes, but 220.10 says you have to start with the branch circuit loads in Part I, and then apply Parts II,III, or IV to get the feeder or service load.

I guess it doesn't matter in this case though.

Steve
 
Re: Service Calculation

My original point was that if it was on an individual branch circuit you would have to use 220.3(B)(1).
 
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