How To Calculate Electrical Load For Home Appliances?

Do you know how to calculate electrical load at home? If you don’t, we are here to help you!  

But first things first, let us understand what an electrical load is and why it is necessary to learn how to calculate it. An electrical load is a device, it could be anything: bulbs, washing machine, fans, AC, cooler, etc. 

Putting it plainly, an electrical load is any device that consumes current and converts it into heat, light, or any other form of energy. 

For accurate electrical load calculation, every appliance that utilises electric power to function needs to be considered. 

Before installing any new electrical appliance, it’s better that you know the current scenario for the smooth functioning of each appliance.

Let’s find out all the details.

Can You Calculate the Electrical Load At Home?

Yes, you can surely calculate the electric load at home! Though it may seem tough, we have made it simpler for you. 

Let us check how!

Domestic load calculation provides a numeric figure after considering all the electrical appliances connected to a circuit. 

For this calculation, it is advisable to keep a margin for the safe and uninterrupted functioning of all the appliances. Generally, the power utility must be 20% below the maximum load capacity of the main circuit. 

The electrical load calculation formula depends upon the relationship between the units of power, voltage, and current. 

• Ampere = Watts/Volt
• Watts = Volt x Ampere

These formulas efficiently calculate the capacity of the entire electrical circuit and individual circuits. 

That being said, in order to find out the load calculation, you must first know the power consumption of basic household appliances.

Let’s give you a basic brief of the most common appliances and their power ratings:

Appliances	Power ratings
Incandescent lamp	40W – 150W
CFL	6W – 30W
LED Bulb	4W – 25 W
Fluorescent tube light	18W – 60W
LED tube light	8W – 36W
Table fan	30W – 70W
Induction motor Ceiling fan	60W – 80W
Cooler	100W – 500W
AC (1 ton)	3.517KW
Refrigerator	150W – 400W
Computer	100W – 250W
Microwave	600W – 1700W
Washing machine	300W – 500W
TV	60W – 120W
Smartphone charger	4W – 7W

Now, suppose, you use the following appliances:

Number of appliances	Power rating in watt	Daily use in hours
4 LED bulbs	9-W each	10
2 fans	60-W each	16
1 TV	100-W	5
1 Refrigerator	200-W	10 hours

Here’s what the load calculation will look like for you:

• 4 x 9W x 10 = 360
• 2 x 60W x 16 = 1920
• 1 x 100W x 5 = 500
• Fridge = approximately 2000W 

Please note: the calculation for the refrigerator is approximate because the compressor keeps switching on and off throughout the day and night. 

Here’s what the total will be = 5180 Watt Hour or 5.18KWh or 5.18 units per day.

Since these appliances will run for the entire month, therefore, the final units used every month will be 5.18 x 30 = 155.4 units per month.

If the electricity tariff/unit in your state is ₹8, then the electricity bill will be ₹1243.2.  

What are the Benefits of Electrical Load Calculation?

It is crucial to know the power load calculation as this numeric value gives a better estimation for installing an electric circuit with a particular power supply. 

You will be able to understand how much electricity an appliance uses during the day. 

If there are some appliances that might be using a lot of electricity, you can replace them with appliances that have the latest and most efficient technology. 

The latest technology appliances consume less power. It will help to reduce your electricity bills. 

It also helps maintain the safety of people residing in a house by reducing the chances of short circuits. 

Moreover, with accurate load calculation, you can add a new electrical appliance to your home without worrying about frequent blackouts. 

What are the Ways to Increase Load Capacity?

People often need to install a new circuit to the domestic power capacity. Although installing a new appliance is pretty simple, it is crucial to understand the basics.  

• The fuse boxes need replacement with a circuit breaker because there is hardly any space for new circuits in a fuse box. 
• The slot in the breaker box provides the necessary space to install a new circuit and pass the electric cable through it. 
• In the absence of space, you can use a tandem breaker in the place of a single breaker.

What Are The Different Types of Power Boxes For Electric Load Calculation?

Are there varieties of electrical power boxes? Well, yes, there are three actually. Each one determines the electrical capacity of the house. These boxes include –

• 15 amp small fuse boxes: These boxes are too small to fit an electric panel outside the domestic setting. They are generally operational in old houses with no electrical up-gradation.  

• 30 amp medium-sized service panels: These power boxes are found in houses built before dishwashers or cloth dryers came in the category of common appliances. 

• 100 amp large service panels: These power boxes supply electric charge to power more appliances. They are present in most domestic settings and are common for upgrading the electric power system.  

Should You Switch To Using Solar Panels?

We all know that the rate of electricity that is transferred from the grid is very high. It increases the electricity bill every month. 

But is there an alternative?

Absolutely, there is! Solar panels are the best alternative to grid-based electricity. If you install a solar system at home, your house will run on solar electricity. 

Solar energy is free, and so is the electricity that uses sunlight as a fuel.  Needless to say, your electricity bill will significantly drop!

Conclusion

Electrical load calculation is crucial for installing a safe electrical system. Therefore, it is essential to understand the circuit and power requirements of all the appliances of a house.

Accurate load calculation can save the domestic setting from frequent blackouts and dangerous short circuits. 

FAQs

Q. What is the maximum amp value in a breaker panel?

According to experts, the maximum amp value in a breaker panel for residential use is approximately 100 amps.  

Q. What appliances are considered for domestic electrical load calculation?

For calculating the electrical load in a house, all the appliances that use electricity are included. 

Q. Is a load of 200 amp sufficient for a 2bhk house?

Although the power requirement of a house depends on the types (and number) of appliances installed in it, 40 amps to 63 amps is mostly sufficient for households.