One demand factor does not fit every load
Sections 120.50–120.61 address motors and air-conditioning, electric heat, small-appliance and laundry loads, fixed appliances, dryers, cooking equipment, EV supply equipment (EVSE) and neutral load. Articles 430 and 440 still govern their equipment-specific calculations. A changed RTU, heat kit, dryer or charger can change the upstream result.
120.52 Small-appliance and laundry loads
For a dwelling unit, include 1,500 VA for each qualifying 2-wire small-appliance branch circuit covered by 210.11(C)(1), and at least 1,500 VA for each 2-wire laundry branch circuit covered by 210.11(C)(2). These loads may be included with the general lighting load and subjected to Table 120.45 demand factors. Check the specific small-appliance exception before excluding a circuit.
120.53 Fastened-in-place dwelling appliances
A 75% demand factor is permitted when the same dwelling feeder or service supplies at least four qualifying fastened-in-place appliances, each rated at least 1/4 hp or 500 W. Count the eligible nameplate loads; household cooking equipment, clothes dryers, space heat, air conditioning and EVSE are excluded from this particular factor. Do not use a small appliance below the rating threshold merely to reach four.
120.54 Household electric dryers
For each household electric dryer, begin with the larger of its nameplate rating or 5,000 W (VA). Table 120.54 then permits a demand factor for a qualifying feeder or service; the NFPA 2026 Handbook erratum corrects the 3–5 dryer row to 80%. Do not apply that row to one or two dryers or to commercial equipment.
Qualify the other equipment loads
Motors, HVAC, electric heat, cooking equipment and EVSE follow their own rules and conditions. Articles 430 and 440 still govern equipment-specific motor and air-conditioning calculations. For EVSE, document the selected unit's input rating and any approved load management; do not infer a lower load from a future setting that has not been specified.
Calculate the neutral from the actual mix
Section 120.61 looks at the maximum unbalanced load. Record the phase arrangement and identify loads that may limit a reduction, including nonlinear or harmonic-producing equipment where applicable. “Balanced phases” should come from a documented load schedule, not a label on an old panelboard.
Field check
- Compare the current mechanical, kitchen, appliance and EVSE schedules with the electrical calculation.
- Verify equipment nameplates, operating sequences and the code category before applying demand.
- Check phase assignment and neutral assumptions for actual connected equipment.
Show on drawings
Provide an equipment load schedule linked to panel assignments, the feeder/service calculation and a separate neutral calculation where required. Identify any controlled EVSE or HVAC load and its control basis. For optional residential methods, continue to #032.
Code basis and applicability
Educational reference to the 2026 NEC 120.50–120.61. 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. The official NFPA 2026 Handbook replacement page supports the 120.52–120.54 figures and corrected dryer table.