Which NEC article is most closely associated with calculating service loads and applying demand factors?

Which NEC article is most closely associated with calculating service loads and applying demand factors?

• A. Article 210
• B. Article 220
• C. Article 315
• D. Article 350

Answer: (B)

Calculating service loads and applying demand factors is handled by the NEC article that covers Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations. This article shows how to determine the total service load by summing the anticipated loads from lighting, receptacles, heating/cooling, appliances, and other fixed loads, then applying demand factors to reflect typical usage so the service equipment and feeders aren’t oversized or undersized. It’s specifically about turning a connected load into a realistic service load for sizing the main service, feeders, and main overcurrent protection. The other topics referenced by the distractors address different aspects of installation: sizing and planning branch circuits and receptacles, conductor sizing and installation requirements, and conduit or wiring-method rules. None of those focus on calculating the overall service load or applying demand factors the way this article does.

Calculating service loads and applying demand factors is handled by the NEC article that covers Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations. This article shows how to determine the total service load by summing the anticipated loads from lighting, receptacles, heating/cooling, appliances, and other fixed loads, then applying demand factors to reflect typical usage so the service equipment and feeders aren’t oversized or undersized. It’s specifically about turning a connected load into a realistic service load for sizing the main service, feeders, and main overcurrent protection.

The other topics referenced by the distractors address different aspects of installation: sizing and planning branch circuits and receptacles, conductor sizing and installation requirements, and conduit or wiring-method rules. None of those focus on calculating the overall service load or applying demand factors the way this article does.