A connected load is not always the same as the load the electrical system is expected to carry at one time. That is where these Article 100 definitions matter.
Continuous load
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more. Duration matters. A load is not “continuous” simply because equipment is permanently connected or normally left on.
Demand factor
The ratio of the maximum demand of a system, or part of it, to the total connected load. Connected load is not expected maximum simultaneous demand.
Duty
Continuous duty: constant load for an indefinitely long time. Intermittent: alternating periods of load and rest/no-load. Periodic: recurring intermittent operation. Short-time: constant load for a limited period. Varying: load and operating time vary.
Load management
The process within an energy management system that limits total electrical load by controlling individual loads. Control when loads operate instead of assuming everything operates simultaneously.
Why it matters
HVAC, electric heat, water heaters, EV charging, kitchen equipment, pumps and motors. Ask: how long does it operate? What can operate simultaneously? What duty applies? Can the load legitimately be managed? That affects branch-circuit calculations, feeder and service sizing, existing-service capacity, power control systems, and future electrification.
Do / Don’t
Do understand actual equipment operation, distinguish connected load from demand, coordinate applicable duty, and document load-management assumptions. Don’t assume every permanently connected load is continuous, apply demand reductions without Code support, assume any load can simply be shed, or judge service capacity from nameplate totals alone.
Field tip
When evaluating an existing service for new HVAC, EVSE, or electric equipment, do not stop at “how many amps are connected?” Also ask what operates together, for how long, and what can actually be controlled. Hub: continuous load / demand. Next: dry, damp, wet, and equipment environmental suitability.
Code basis and professional boundary
NEC 2026 Article 100 terminology education from the owner-provided Daily Code Talk source. Confirm the jurisdiction, adopted NEC edition, amendments, utility requirements, and responsible professional. Field observations do not establish electrical safety; only qualified personnel using required safe-work procedures should access or test electrical equipment.