VoltSpec

Residential Load Calculator

NEC Article 220 Standard Method — enter your loads, get your service size

Dwelling — General Lighting
sqft

NEC 220.12: 3 VA per square foot for general lighting

(min 2)

NEC 220.52(A): 1500 VA each

(min 1)

NEC 220.52(B): 1500 VA each

Kitchen & Laundry Appliances
Electric Range / Oven / Cooktop
watts

NEC 220.55: demand factor applied (8 kW for ≤12 kW range). Set 0 for gas.

Electric Dryer
watts

NEC 220.54: 5000 VA minimum or nameplate, whichever is larger. Set 0 for gas.

Water Heater
watts

0 if gas or tankless gas

watts

Typical: 1,200W

watts

Typical: 600–900W

HVAC — Heating & Cooling
NEC 220.60: Only the larger of A/C or heat is counted (non-coincident loads).
A/C Compressor
watts

Running watts or nameplate amps × 240V

Electric Heat (strips / furnace)
watts

Set 0 for gas furnace

Additional Loads
EV Charger
watts

Level 2: typically 7,680W (32A) or 9,600W (40A)

Recommended Service

200A

200A Single-Phase Service

144A calculated34,500 VA
Load Breakdown — NEC 220
General Lighting

2,000 sqft × 3 VA/sqft

6,000 VA
Small Appliance Circuits

2 circuits × 1,500 VA

3,000 VA
Laundry Circuit

1 circuit × 1,500 VA

1,500 VA

Demand Factor (Table 220.42)

First 10,000 VA at 100%10,000 VA
Remainder at 40%200 VA
General + SA + Laundry (net)
10,200 VA
Range/Oven Demand

NEC 220.55 — ≤12 kW = 8,000 VA

8,000 VA
Dryer Demand

NEC 220.54 — 5,000 VA minimum

5,000 VA
Fixed Appliances

3 items at 100%

6,300 VA
HVAC — A/C (larger)

NEC 220.60 — non-coincident, larger load only

5,000 VA
TOTAL CALCULATED LOAD
34,500 VA
Total Amps (240V)143.8A
⚠️ Reference only. This calculator uses the NEC Article 220 Standard Method for single-family dwellings. Your AHJ may require the Optional Method (Art. 220.82) or have local amendments. Always verify with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction and submit the required load calculation form with your permit application.