What is the easiest method of doing an electrical load calculation for our home?

outdoor living spaces hot tub image

We previously asked about upgrading our electrical service from 200 amps to 300 or 400 amps. Several of the people who responded suggested that we have a load calculation done for our house. We would like to know if there is a method where we could do the calculation ourselves. We realize that an electrician would be better at doing this. But depending on their findings, they would be the ones installing the upgraded service. We could supply a list of electrical items to anyone who could help us.

Answer
Why do you think you need a 400 amp service?

I am a master electrician months are spent during electrical school learning load calculations.

YOU DO NOT SIMPLY ADD UP THE LOAD OF THE THINGS YOU USE IN YOUR HOME. A PERCENTAGE IS GIVE TO DIFFERENT ITEMS DO TO THE FACT NOT EVERYTHING IS RUNNING AT ONCE. THE SQUARE FOOTAGE OF LIVING SPACE IN THE HOME IS THE BIGGEST FACTOR IN A LOAD CACUALTUON

Load calculation formulas are in the national electrical code

I have been wiring homes for 15 years

Only 2 homes i have been involved with have needed more than 200 amp service. They were both massive homes with indoor heated pool, outdoor and indoor hot tubs, laundry rooms on first and second floor ,two full kitchen and 8-9 bedrooms

Some homes will have (2) 200 amp services which is technically a code violation but is now becoming allowed for homes with geothermal heat

And never never seen a true 400 amp on a home
More often have more often they have a 320 amp non continuous use service

To get the power company allow a400 is a big deal very often they need to change the transformer on the pole

Here is a cut and paste from the code a little bit on load calculations

I am having trouble cutting and pasting from my copy of national electric code
If you can get a copy the rules for load calculations are in article 220. But you probable need two months of night school to understand how use the info in the code

what are the best ways to increase the value of your home?

redsoxguy

what type of remodeling and landscaping add the most value to a property.

Answer
inside, remodeling kitchen and/or bath makes the biggest difference.

Specifically, put in granite or silestone counters in both, stone flooring in both. Get rid of any vinyl tiles or laminate countertops. Corian is pretty dated, but unless you're in a really ritzty neighborhood you can probably leave that if you've got it.

I would also try and find room for a jetted tub in the master bath; a 5' or better or a corner tub. A double shower head will run you $80 or less, and gives a great custom look, and it installs in about 5 minutes.

Of course for kitchen appliances, I would go with all stainless, and ideally all the same brand (or at least the same stainless look).

For the outside, of course you want curb appeal on the front side of the house, so trim back any overgrown bushes, at other times of year, I would plant a lot of flowers too. Solar powered pathway lights are cheap and easy to put in, and look great. They aren't as bright as the wired kind, but most people will see them when they aren't on.

For the backyard, people are into outdoor living & outdoor kitchens, so some type of wood or stone patio is great. Built in grill even better, if it's covered, put in an outdoor ceiling fan with a light kit.

You can add a hot tub if you like (the all-in-ones are cheaper and will be better unless you plan on living there 20 years), but avoid pools. Unless you really swim a lot or all your neighbors have pools, you will only recoup a small percentage of the cost, plus it will eat up a lot of yard space, and will increase your homeowners insurance.

Powered by Yahoo! Answers

Title Post: What is the easiest method of doing an electrical load calculation for our home?
Rating: 92% based on 9172 ratings. 4,3 user reviews.
Author: Unknown

Thanks For Coming To My Blog