⚡ Question Of The Week ⚡
Question: A dwelling unit has:
• General lighting: 3,000 VA
• Small appliance circuits: 3 × 1,500 VA
• Laundry: 1,500 VA
• Dryer: 5,000 VA (240V)
• Range: 8,000 VA
What is the MINIMUM service load (VA) before converting to amps?
Drop your answer, math AND NEC 2026 reference if you know it ⚡
💬 Comment & discuss below.
⚠️ Disclaimer: Question may be simplified or test interpretation — verify all answers with NEC text.
⚡ Happy Friday, all! Enjoy this little code calculation exercise!
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Studying load calcs now. If I've done it right, 5100va for general lighting and receptacles. Table 220.45
Column B of 220.55 Note 4 for one range between 3.5kw to 8.75kw so 80% of 8kw.
Clothes dryer min is 5kw. 220.54
No fastened in place appliances mentioned. No heat or air mentioned.
Eric Taylor Greetings Eric,
Ok, so this post is in the 2026 NEC Forum so it would be 120.55. However, Note 4 is about branch circuit and not the overall service so Note 4 would not be appropriate.
Now, you are on the right track but in the case of the Range, you get to choose between Column B or C and take the lesser which I believe you did. So ..you are tracking ..
⚡ SPOILER: ANSWER KEY BELOW ⚡
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2026 NEC
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General Lighting = 3,000 VA
Small Appliance Circuits = 3 × 1,500 VA = 4,500 VA
Laundry = 1,500 VA
Total = 9,000 VA
Per the dwelling-unit demand factors:
First 3,000 VA = 3,000 VA
Remaining 6,000 VA × 35% = 2,100 VA
Demanded Load = 5,100 VA
Dryer = 5,000 VA
Range = 8,000 VA × 80% = 6,400 VA
Total Service Load:
5,100 + 5,000 + 6,400 = 16,500 VA
The Correct Answer would be (A). 16,500 VA. NEC References: Article 120, 120.52(A), 120.52(B), 120.54, and Table 120.55 Column B.