Do not mix circuit count and upstream demand
Under 2026 NEC §120.41, the dwelling general-lighting and receptacle feeder/service unit load is 2 VA/ft². NFPA identifies this as a 2026 reduction from the earlier 3 VA/ft² value. Section 120.13’s 3 VA/ft² serves the minimum dwelling branch-circuit count. A smaller calculated feeder demand does not erase required circuits.
Match the occupancy and the load
For non-dwelling lighting, §120.42 calls for an occupancy-based unit load or an alternative method where its conditions are met. Receptacles, show windows and track lighting have their own rules within §§120.43–120.47. An office receptacle calculation requires a comparison with its floor-area minimum. Check whether a lighting or receptacle demand factor is actually available before using it.
Keep the arithmetic auditable
For each category, record the connected load, code section or table, eligibility for the factor, factor applied and resulting calculated load. Use one schedule to show what the branch circuits serve and another calculation to show what the feeder or service carries.
Field check
- Confirm floor area, occupancy and connected lighting/receptacle inventory.
- Check any energy-code-based alternative against its stated conditions.
- Make the office receptacle comparison when applicable; retain the higher required result.
Show on drawings
Include the lighting and receptacle schedules, area takeoff, cited demand method and feeder/service total on the electrical calculation sheet. Keep the required branch-circuit count visible on the panel schedules. Cross-check the result with the equipment and neutral loads in #031.
Code basis and applicability
Educational reference to the 2026 NEC Sections 120.40–120.47. 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.