Schools and restaurants: scope the method
Section 120.86 provides an optional school method with its own included loads and tiered factors. Section 120.88 provides an optional method for qualifying new restaurants and distinguishes electric cooking configurations. Confirm that the feeder or service supplies the loads required by the chosen method; then apply the applicable table to that defined set.
Existing demand must represent the building
Section 120.87 allows an existing feeder or service to be evaluated using qualifying maximum-demand data or a monitoring alternative. Record the data source, period, interval, seasonal and operating conditions, and the peak. Add the proposed new load under the adopted edition’s rule, then compare the result with the feeder/service rating and protective device.
Do not miss the project change
Demand records describe past operation. They do not include a proposed EV charger, kitchen replacement or new HVAC stage unless that equipment operated during the measurement. Get equipment schedules and operating assumptions before concluding that the old service has capacity.
Field check
- Obtain the actual utility demand record or qualifying monitoring log.
- Identify peak operating conditions and any unusual shutdown or vacancy period.
- Confirm school/restaurant method eligibility, included loads and proposed equipment.
Show on drawings
Attach or cite the demand data and monitoring method in the calculation set. Show existing peak, new-load addition and final comparison; include kitchen and HVAC schedules for a restaurant. Document why the optional occupancy method applies. For managed loads, also review #028 on PCS and noncoincident loads.
Code basis and applicability
Educational reference to the 2026 NEC Sections 120.86–120.88. 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.