Classify the load first
Sections 120.10–120.16 address branch-circuit loads and additions to existing installations. Use the actual equipment or outlet category and the applicable NEC article. Lighting equipment can draw more than its lamp wattage because drivers, ballasts or transformers are part of the electrical input. Motors and HVAC equipment also require their specific Articles 430 and 440 checks.
The dwelling 3 VA/ft² figure has a specific job
In the 2026 educational numbering, §120.13 uses 3 VA/ft² to determine the minimum number of dwelling branch circuits. That is a circuit-count basis. It is not the dwelling general-lighting and receptacle feeder/service value in §120.41; #030 explains that separate 2 VA/ft² calculation. Keep the two purposes on separate lines in the calculation.
Existing panels require two checks
When adding a new load under §120.16, verify both physical space for the proposed protective device and available calculated capacity. Obtain the panel schedule, identify the actual supplied loads, and check the service or feeder calculation before treating spare spaces as capacity.
Field check
- Match each proposed outlet and fixed appliance to its circuit and rating.
- Use the electrical input of selected lighting equipment, not lamp wattage alone.
- Reconcile equipment schedules with panel schedules; verify existing loads before adding circuits.
Show on drawings
List circuit assignments and calculated loads on the circuit and panel schedules. Mark the existing versus proposed loads and show a feeder/service capacity check where the addition changes upstream demand. See branch circuit vs feeder for the OCPD boundary.
Code basis and applicability
Educational reference to the 2026 NEC Sections 120.10–120.16. Check the complete NFPA 70 text, the locally adopted edition and amendments, the authority having jurisdiction, and selected equipment instructions before project use. This page is not a project-specific load calculation or professional code determination.