Standard calculation for dwelling.

[INCMAN]

After watching unlimited video's and reading the 2014 NEC I could not find a reference for applying loads for Refrigerators, Freezer's, Wine Coolers, or Ice makers or how to apply them to the standard calculation. Do we list them under general lighting and appliance and deduct 35%? Do we consider them FIXED appliances and deduct 75% ?

 

[suemarkp]

In general they are not counted unless they are fastened in place, and none of the things you listed are considered fastened in place. The kitchen small appliance circuits have allowance for the fridge and normal kitchen counter stuff. The 3VA/SqFt covers everything else that is portable.

Things fastened in place would be garbage disposals, dish washers, garage door openers, insta hots, most pumps,... Those you list and can apply the 75% factor if you have 4 or more.

Dwelings are typically easy, and many things commonly plugged in are not counted, and you don't put a load value on every receptacle whereas you do in commercial.

 

[retirede]

Unless it’s specifically called out, 120V cord and plug connected devices are simply part of the general receptacle load.

 

[Dennis Alwon]

Here is the catch... A refrigerator can be on a small appliance branch circuit so that entire circuit with the refrigerator is calculated at 1500 watts. Now if you decide on having more than 2 circuits as the small appliance branch circuit then each circuit would add another 1500 watts so you could just calculate it as 3 or even 4 small appliance branch circuit and get 6000 watts instead of 3000 watts for the required 2 circuits.

3000 watts x 35% = 1,050 watts..... not much at all. So be save if you want to. The crazy thing is that the optional calculation will almost always be lower than the standard. I think that maybe with multi-family homes it may be different.

 

[BTL1904]

Loads for refrigerators, freezers, and ice makers are usually designated as general lighting and appliance loads. These loads are designated as 35 percent fixed and should not be included in the calculated load. They are designated as fixed loads due to their limited applicability. They are usually used only during the time the appliance is in use.