Electrical Load Estimation – Part One

At the beginning of the project,in the draft design (early design) stage,  the electrical design
professional should do the following: 

 Make Analysis of load characteristics, 

 Review The available voltage system types/classes and levels. 
 Review the utility’s rate structure, 
 Make roughly a key single-line diagram and a set of subsidiary single-line diagrams. The key
single-line diagram should show the sources of power e.g. generators, utility intakes, the main
switchboard and the interconnections to the subsidiary or secondary switchboards. 
 Develop Demand factor relationship between connected loads and the actual demand
imposed on the system, 

Importance of Electrical Load Estimation ( preliminary load calculations)

Electrical Load Estimation is very important in the draft design (early design) stage because it help
to:

 Plan the connection to upstream network and MV circuit configurations. 

 Plan the transformers substation(s) (if any) and the main switchgear room. 
 Apply to Power Company for supply. 
 Calculate initial budget for the electrical works. 

Definition of Important terms in Load Estimation:

there are many Important terms which must be understood before performing the load estimation,
these terms are:

1- Connected load

It is the Sum of all the loads connected to the electrical system, usually expressed in watts. 

2- Demand load 

It is The electric load at the receiving terminals averaged over a specified demand interval of time,
usually 15 min., 30 min., or 1 hour based upon the particular utility’s demand interval. Demand may
be expressed in amperes, kilo-amperes, kilo-watts, kilo-vars, or kilo-volt-amperes. 

3- Demand Interval

It is The period over which the load is averaged, usually 15 min., 30 min., or 1 hour. 

4- Maximum demand
It is The greatest of all demands that have occurred during a specified period of time such as 5
minutes, 15 minutes, 30 minutes or one hour. For utility billing purposes the period of time is
generally one month. 

5- Demand factor (in IEC , Factor of maximum utilization ku)  

In normal operating conditions the power consumption of a load is sometimes less than that
indicated as its nominal power rating. 

The demand factor is the ratio of the maximum demand on a system to the total connected load of
the system. 

Demand factor = Maximum demand load / Total load connected 

Notes:

 This factor must be applied to each individual load, with particular attention to electric
motors, which are very rarely operated at full load. 
 Demand factors for buildings typically range between 50 and 80 percent of the connected
load. For most building types, the demand factor at the service where the maximum diversity is
experienced is usually 60 to 75 percent of the connected load. Specific portions of the system may
have much higher demand factors, even approaching 100 percent. 

6- Coincidence factor (in IEC, Factor of simultaneity ks)

It is a matter of common experience that the simultaneous operation of all installed loads of a given
installation never occurs in practice, i.e. there is always some degree of diversity and this fact is
taken into account for estimating purposes by the use of a simultaneity factor (ks). 

The coincidence factor is the ratio of the maximum demand of a system, or part under
consideration, to the sum of the individual maximum demands of the subdivisions. 

Coincidence factor = Maximum system demand / Sum of individual maximum demands 

Notes:
 The factor ks is applied to each group of loads (e.g. being supplied from a distribution or sub-
distribution board). 

Example#1 (see Fig.1 ): 

5 storeys apartment building with 25 consumers, each having 6 kVA of installed load. 

calculate the following:

 The total installed load
 The apparent-power supply 
 the main service size
 the third level service size
 Fig (1)

the solution:

 The total installed load for the building is: 36 + 24 + 30 + 36 + 24 = 150 kVA 
 table#1

From table#1 in above, it is possible to determine the magnitude of currents in different sections of
the common main feeder supplying all floors. For vertical rising mains fed at ground level, the cross-
sectional area of the conductors can evidently be progressively reduced from the lower floors
towards the upper floors. These changes of conductor size are conventionally spaced by at least 3-
floor intervals. 

 so, The apparent-power supply required for the building is: 150 x 0.46 = 69 kVA 

 the current entering the rising main at ground level( main service size) is: 

(150 x 0.46 x 1000) / (400 x √3) = 100 A 

 The current entering the third floor (the third level service size) is: 

(36 + 24) x 0.63 x 1000 / (400 x √3) = 55 A 

7- Diversity factor

The diversity factor is the reciprocal of the coincidence factor. Diversity factor = Sum of individual
maximum demands / Maximum system demand 

Notes:
 The Diversity Factor is applied to each group of loads (e.g. being supplied from a distribution
or sub-distribution board). 

Example#2: 
Consider that a feeder supplies five users with the following load conditions:
 On Monday, user one reaches a maximum demand of 100 amps;
 on Tuesday, two reaches 95 amps;
 on Wednesday, three reaches 85 amps;
 on Thursday, four reaches 75 amps;
 on Friday, five reaches 65 amps.
 The feeder’s maximum demand is 250 amps. 

Calculate the Diversity Factor for this feeder?

the solution:

The diversity factor can be determined as follows: 

Diversity factor = Sum of total demands ÷ Maximum demand on feeder = 420 ÷ 250 = 1.68

Example#3: 
Calculate the size of a main feeder from substation switchgear that is supplying five feeders with
connected loads of 400, 350, 300, 250 and 200 kilovolt-amperes (kVA) with demand factors of 95,
90, 85, 80 and 75 percent respectively. Use a diversity factor of 1.5. 

the Solution 
1- Calculate demand for each feeder: 
 400 kVA × 95% = 380 kVA 
 350 kVA × 90% = 315 kVA 
 300 kVA × 85% = 255 kVA 
 250 kVA × 80% = 200 kVA 
 200 kVA × 75% = 150 kVA 

2- sum all of the individual demands = 1,300 kVA 

3- If the feeder were sized at unity diversity, then 1,300 kVA ÷ 1.00 = 1,300 kVA 

However, using the diversity factor of 1.5, the kVA = 1,300 kVA ÷ 1.5 = 866 kVA for the feeder. 

Difference between demand and diversity factor:

most of the electrical engineers confuse between the demand and diversity factors, to solve this
confusion, don't forget that:

 The Demand factor must be applied to each individual load, with particular attention to
electric motors, which are very rarely operated at full load. 
 The Diversity Factor is applied to each group of loads (e.g. being supplied from a distribution
or sub-distribution board). 

Example #4: 
An industrial building consists of (3) nos. workshops A, B & C, each workshop will include the
following loads: Workshop A:
 4 nos. lathe with 5 KVA each, 
 2 nos. pedestal drill with 2 KVA each, 
 5 nos. sockets outlets 10/16 A on one circuit with 18 KVA total, 
 30 nos. fluorescent lamps on one circuit with 3 KVA total. 
Workshop B: 

 One nos. Compressor with 15 KVA, 

 3 nos. sockets outlets 10/16 A on one circuit with 10.6 KVA total, 
 30 nos. fluorescent lamps on one circuit with 1 KVA total. 

Workshop C: 
 2 nos. ventilation fans with 2.5 KVA each, 
 2 nos. Oven with 15 KVA each, 
 5 nos. sockets outlets 10/16 A on one circuit with 18 KVA total, 
 20 nos. fluorescent lamps on one circuit with 2 KVA total. 

 Draw a key single line diagram for this building? 

 determine both the demand (utilization) factor and simultaneity factor with the help of
tables # 2 & 3 in below? 
 Calculate the demand load for each level in the key single line diagram? 

table#2
 table#3

The solution:  

follow the solution steps in below and in fig.2.

fig.2

Step#1: List all the loads in each workshop and write the apparent power of each load in KVA beside
it. 
Step#2: write the utilization factor for each load , IEC gives Ku estimation values for these loads as
follows: 

 For motor Ku = 0.8 

 For socket outlets Ku = 1 (depend on the type of appliances being supplied from the sockets
concerned) 
 For light circuits Ku= 1 

Step#3: calculate the Max. demand apparent power in KVA for each load = apparent power X Ku for
each load. 

Step# 4: group same type of loads on one distribution panel/box and this will be the first Level of
distribution (LEVEL 1). 

Step# 5: in level 1 and from table #2, write the simultaneity factor for each distribution panel/box
and from table # 3 write the simultaneity factor for each for each separate load. 

Step# 6: calculate the Max. demand apparent power in KVA for each distribution panel/box = sum of
all branch loads’ Max. demand apparent power in KVA X simultaneity factor for each distribution
panel/box.

Step# 7: group the distribution panel/box in each workshop in one main distribution panel/box. So,
we will have (3) main distribution panel/box for the (3) workshops and this will be the second level
of distribution (LEVEL 2). 

Step# 8: in level 2 and from table #2, write the simultaneity factor for each main distribution
panel/box. 

Step# 9: calculate the Max. Demand apparent power in KVA for each main distribution panel/box =
sum of all branch distribution boxes’ Max. Demand apparent power in KVA X simultaneity factor for
each main distribution panel/box. 

Step# 10: group the (3) main distribution panel/box in one main general distribution board MGDB
and this will be the third level of distribution (LEVEL 3). 

Step# 11: in level 3 and from table #2, write the main general distribution board MGDB. 

Step# 12: calculate the Max. Demand apparent power in KVA for main general distribution board
MGDB = sum of the (3) workshop main distribution boxes’ Max. Demand apparent power in KVA X
simultaneity factor for main general distribution board MGDB.

8- Load factor

The load factor is the ratio of the average load over a designated period of time, usually 1 year, to
the maximum load occurring in that period. Load factor = Average load / Maximum load 
Free download

you can download tables for different factors listed above by clicking the following links:

 IEEE Demand Factor Values 

 Unified Facilities Criteria -UFC- Demand Factor Values 
 NEC Demand Factor Values 
 Demand Factor Values From Other Regulations 
 Diversity Factor Values 
 Unified Facilities Criteria -UFC-Load Factor Values  
 IEC Factor of Simultaneity Values

Methods of Electrical load estimation

There are (5) methods for Electrical Load Estimation, which are: 

A- Preliminary load calculation which divide to: 

1. Space by space (functional area method), 
2. Building Area method. 
3. Area method. 

B- NEC load calculations.

C- Final load calculations. 

In the next topic, I will explain these methods for Electrical load estimation. so, please keep
following.
In the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part One " , I explain the definitions of the
most important terms in electrical load estimation and provides download links for factors used
in the electrical load estimation. 

Also, I listed the (5) methods of electrical load estimations which were: 

A- Preliminary load calculation which divide to: 

1. Space by space (functional area method), 

2. Building Area method. 
3. Area method. 

B- NEC load calculations. 

C- Final load calculations. 

Today, I will explain these methods for electrical load estimations. 

Note:

I will explain the (3) preliminary load estimation methods only in this course, and the two other
methods, NEC load calculations and Final load calculations will be explained later in course
" EE-3: Basic Electrical design course – Level II " , because these two methods are applied in
the final stages of design. 

Preliminary Electrical Load estimate 

Difference between preliminary and final load estimate

S/ Preliminary load calculations Final load calculations

N
1 Units of Loads will be in Units of Loads will be in KW (kilo-
(W/ft2) watts per square foot watt), or/and KVA (kilo-volt-ampere),
or/and (VA/ft2) volt-amperes or/and HP (horse power)
per square foot

2 units are used Units can’t used interchangeably. So,

interchangeably because unity Hp will be converted to kVA; and kVA
power factor is assumed may be multiplied by the estimated
power factor to obtain kW if required

3 Unity power factor is assumed Different values of power factors

according to load types.
 4 Demand and load factors Demand and load factors values  are
values will be selected from Real values that will document and
tables based on the designer reflect the number, the type, the duty
estimation and they will be rating (continuous, intermittent,
Used to calculate the periodic, short time, and varying), and
transformer and service size. the wattage or volt-ampere rating of
equipment supplied by a common
source of power, and the diversity of
operation of equipment served by the
common source.

5 The connected load will be Actual demand load will be calculated

estimated based on area or based on summation of individual
population building connected loads modified by
suitable demand and diversity factors
6 Easy and Fast calculations economical, cost effective calculations
insuring that items of equipment and
materials are adequate to serve
existing, new, and future load demands

Preliminary load calculations will be divided to: 

1. Space by space (functional area method), 
2. Building Area method, 
3. Area method. 

Note:

A particular design may use one Preliminary load estimate method or a combination from two or
even the three methods. 

First: Space-by-Space Method (functional area method)

In the Space-by-Space Method, the building will be divided into different space based on its
function like offices, conference halls, corridors and lobbies, shops, parking areas, workshops
and etc. The Load density in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) is prescribed for these different spaces,
these load densities in addition to spaces area will be used to estimate the preliminary
electrical load of this building as described in below. 

Usage conditions of Space-by-Space Method  

 The Space-by-Space Method is used only for individual spaces in the building. 
 The Space-by-Space Method may be used for any building or portion of a building. 
Area Measurement in space by space method  

The square footage is measured from the outside surface of exterior walls to the centerline of
walls between interior partitions of the spaces. The sum of the Gross Interior Area equals the
total Gross Area of the building. 

Method of estimation by using Space-by-Space Method  

In this method, we have two cases as follows: 

 First case: availability of grouped load density (i.e. one value covering all lighting,
general power and power loads) in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for each space.
 Second case: availability of individual load density (i.e. individual values for lighting,
general power and power loads) in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for each space.

First case

Method of estimation by using Space-by-Space Method will be as follows: 

1- Divide the building into different space based on its function (for example, office, storage,
mechanical, and corridor). 

2- Calculate the gross interior area of each space. 

3- Determine the grouped load density for each space (from tables). 

4- Multiply each space gross interior area by its grouped load density to get the estimated
electrical load for this space. 

5- Sum all the estimated electrical loads for all spaces to get the total preliminary electrical
load for the whole building. 

6- Multiply the total preliminary electrical load for the whole building by the power factor value
(= 0.8) and a suitable load factor (for future extensions and losses compensations) to get the
main service size. 

Example# 1: 

For a high-rise office building with shopping arcade, the power supply has to be planned for a
10-story building (12 floors) with a floor area of approx. 25 m x 60 m. 

There is a car park for customers in front of the building, the access way to the parking garage
(levels -1 to -3 for employees) and a fountain (80 m x 20 m). (Fig. 1) 

Real floor area approx. 1350 m2 (14 levels + technical equipment on roof level). 
Floor heights of levels 00 to +10: 4 m, levels -1 to -3: 3 m 
Calculate main electrical service size for this building. 

Fig (1)

The solution:

Consider first case: availability of grouped load density for each space. Hence, calculations will
be as follows: 

1- The building will be divided to the following spaces: 

 Parking garage / utilities areas (incl. roof area) 

 Shopping center / bank 
 Offices 

2- Calculate The gross areas of each space will be as follows: 

Parking garage / utilities areas (incl. roof area) Basement levels -1 to -3 with 1,350 m2 each +
utilities areas ca. 210 m2 (areas between utilities hubs), Area = (3 x 1,350 m2 + 210 m2) = 4260
m2 
Shopping center / bank Ground level 00 with 1,350 m2 Area = 1 x 1,350 m2 = 1350 m2 

Offices Levels +1 to +10 with 1,350 m2 each Area = 10 x 1,350 m2 = 13500 m2 

Table# 1

3- Determine the grouped load density for each space (from table#1) as follows: 

Parking garage / utilities areas (incl. roof area) 

assumed average power demand: 10 W/m2 
Shopping center / bank 
assumed average power demand: 60 W/m2 
Offices 
assumed average power demand: 50 W/m2 

4- Multiply each space gross interior area by its grouped load density to get the estimated electrical
load for this space as follows: 
Parking garage / utilities areas (incl. roof area) Estimated electrical load = (3 x 1,350 m2 + 210 m2)
x 10 W/m2 = 42,600 W 
Shopping center / bank 
Estimated electrical load = 1 x 1,350 m2 x 120 W/m2 = 162,000 W 

Offices Estimated electrical load = 10 x 1,350 m2 x 110 W/m2 = 1,485,000 W 

5- Sum all the estimated electrical loads for all spaces to get the total preliminary electrical load
for the whole building. 

Total preliminary electrical load for the whole building = 42,600 + 162,000 + 1,485,000 = 1,690
kW 

6- Required transformer output 

The established total power demand determines the required transformer output. The
determination is based on a cos phi = 0.85 and a transformer load level of 70%. 
Transformer output rating = 1,690 kW / (0.7 x 0.85) = 2,840 kVA 

Second Case

Method of estimation by using Space-by-Space Method will be as follows: 

1- Divide the building into different space based on its function (for example, office, storage,
mechanical, and corridor). 

2- Calculate the gross interior area of each space. 

3- Calculate the estimated lighting, small appliance and power loads for each space as follows: 

A- Estimated Lighting Load 

 Determine the type of light source for each space. 
 Determine the Lighting load density in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for this type of light source. 
 Consider requirements for supplementary lighting (for example, floodlighting, security
lighting, and special task lighting). 
 Multiply the gross interior area of the space by the assigned Lighting load density to get the
estimated lighting electrical load for this space. 

B- Estimated Small Appliance Loads (general Power Load) 

 Small appliance loads shall include those served by general purpose receptacles. In general,
the dividing of areas by function for estimating lighting loads will serve for estimating small
appliance loads. 
 Determine the Small Appliance load density in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for this space. 
 Consider requirements for the extent of using small appliances by the occupants of this space
(for example, Mechanical spaces in building storage areas and similar spaces in which outlets are
provided but infrequently used are usually neglected in computing loads, except for special cases). 
 Multiply the gross interior area of the space by the assigned Small Appliance load density to
get the estimated Small Appliance electrical load for this space. 
C- Estimated Electric Power Loads 

 Electric power loads shall include all loads other than lighting loads and those served by
general purpose receptacles and comprise the environmental system electric power requirements
and the facility occupancy equipment electric power requirements. 

HVAC Equipment 
 Use the same method for small appliance loads 

Lifts and Escalators, Pumps and other loads 

 These loads are related to the whole building and not related to the divided spaces. So, The
Space-by-Space Method cann’t estimate the required ratings for these loads and we must use the
building method for this purpose. 

4- After computing the preliminary electrical loads for each space, we must sum all of them to get
the total preliminary electrical load for the whole building. 

Example# 2 :

Consider the same building in example# 1 to be solved if individual load densities are known for
each load type as follows: 

Space Load Load Density (W/M2)

Lighting 7
Parking Garage / Utilities Areas (Incl. Roof
Small Appliance 3
Area)
Power Load Inc. in building power
Lighting 28
Shopping Center / Bank Small Appliance 20
Power Load Inc. in building power
Lighting 28
Offices Small Appliance 20
Power Load Inc. in building power
HVAC - Pumps -
Building Power Load 60
Elevators - Others

Calculate main electrical service size for this building. 

The solution: 
1- The following table summarizes the calculations steps.

Estimated
Load Estimated  Electrical
Space Area Load
 Density  Load  Load For
 Space

4,260 Lighting 7 29,820

Parking Garage / Small

 Utilities Areas 4,260 3 12,780 42,600 VA
Appliance
 (Incl. Roof Area)

4,260 Power Load 0 0

1,350 Lighting 28 37,800

Shopping Center / Small

1,350 20 27,000 64,800 VA
 Bank  Appliance

1,350 Power Load 0

13,500 Lighting 28 378,000

Small
Offices 13,500 20 270,000 648,000 VA
 Appliance

13,500 Power Load 0 0

HVAC –
Building Power Pumps –
14,850 60 891,000 891,000 VA
 Load Elevators –
 Others

Total Estimated Electrical Load 1,646,400 VA

 Application Of Cos Phi = 0.85 1,936,941 VA

Application Of Load Level = 70% 2,767,059 VA

Transformer Output Rating 2,767 KVA

Free download 

 Watt per Square Foot based on IEEE. 

 Watt per Square Meter based on NEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on IEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on Other Regulations. 

In the next topic, I will explain Other methods for preliminary electrical load calculations. So,
please keep following.
In the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part One ", I explain the definitions of the
most important terms in electrical load estimation and provides download links for factors used
in the electrical load estimation. 

Also, I listed the ( 5) methods of electrical load estimations which were: 

A- Preliminary load calculation which divide to: 

1. Space by space (functional area method), 

2. Building Area method. 
3. Area method. 

B- NEC load calculations. 

C- Final load calculations. 

I explained the first method of preliminary load calculations; Space by space (functional area
method)in the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part Two "

Today, I will explain other methods for electrical load estimations, which are: 

 Building Area method. 

 Area method. 

Second: The Building Area Method 

The Building Area method is used for buildings, to some extent, bigger than that can be handled
by the Space by space method, although it is easier than the Space by space method as you
estimate the electrical load based on the activity of the whole building unlike the Space by
space method which need dividing the building into multi-areas with different activities. 

Comparison between space-by-space and building type methods

 Power Allowances (densities) under the two methods are similar for buildings with typical
space distributions, but may vary depending on the space distributions in particular buildings. 
 In general the Building Area Method is easier to use than the Space-by-Space Method, but
the Space-by-Space Method offers greater flexibility. 
 In addition, the Space-by-Space Method allows the use of the Additional Interior Lighting
Power Allowance for certain specific uses. 

Usage conditions of Building Area Method

The Building Area Method may be used only for: 

 An entire building (using the primary occupancy), or; 
 Single, independent, and separate occupancies in a multi-occupancy building. 
Area Measurement in Building Area Method

 Total Gross Area will be used in the Building Area Method and the square footage is
measured from the outside surface of exterior walls, or from the outside surface of exterior
walls to the center line of walls between building types. 

Method of estimation by using Building Area Method

In this method, we have two cases as follows: 

 First case: availability of grouped load density (i.e. one value for the whole building) in
(W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2).
 Second case : availability of individual load density (i.e. individual values for lighting,
general power and power loads) in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for the whole building.First case 

First Case:

availability of grouped load density (i.e. one value for the whole building) in (W/ft2) or/and
(VA/ft2). Hence, Method of estimation by using building area Method will be as follows: 

1. Calculate the total Gross Area for the building;

2. Determine the building type/usage (use a reasonable equivalent if the specific building type
is not listed); 

3. Determine the load density in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) from the Tables for that building
type, 

4. Calculate the preliminary electrical load by multiplying the total gross area of the building by
its load density. 

5- Multiply the preliminary electrical load for the building by the power factor value (= 0.8) and
a suitable load factor (for future extensions and losses compensations) to get the main service
size. 

Example #1:

If the educational buildings have power densities as follows: 

Load density (watt/m2) for Load density (watt/m2)

non air conditioned zone for air conditioned zone

15 90
Calculate the total preliminary electrical load for transformer(s) feeding an academic building
which has (4) floors with a floor area 3250 m2, and calculations to be done for the following
cases: 
 Building with air conditioning, 
 Building without air conditioning. 

The solution: 

 The total gross area of the building = 3250 m2 x 4 = 13000 m2 

 The building type/usage is educational 
 The load densities is indicated in the above table 
 The total estimated electrical load :
1. The total estimated electrical load for the Building with air conditioning = 13000 x 90 =
1,170,000 watt = 1,170 KW 
2. And, the total estimated electrical load for the Building without air conditioning = 13000 x 15
=195,000 watt = 195 KW 
 The preliminary electrical load is based on a cos phi = 0.85 and a transformer load level of
70%. 
 Transformer output rating for the Building:
1. Transformer output rating for the Building with air conditioning = 1,170 kW / (0.7 x 0.85) =
1,967 kVA 
2. Transformer output rating for the Building without air conditioning = 195 kW / (0.7 x 0.85) =
328 kVA (in some regulations, this load can be feed from utility low voltage network without the
need for a transformer substation inside the user’s premises) 

Second case:

availability of individual load density (i.e. individual values for lighting, general power and power
loads) in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) for the whole building. Hence, Method of estimation by using
building area Method will be as follows: 
1- Calculate the total Gross Area for the building; 

2- Determine the building type/usage (use a reasonable equivalent if the specific building type is
not listed); 

3- Determine the load density in (W/ft2) or/and (VA/ft2) from the Tables for that building type for
each load type i.e. for lighting, small appliances, power loads. 

4- Multiply the total gross area of the building by the assigned Lighting / small appliances /power
load densities to get the estimated lighting / small appliances /power electrical loads for this
building. 
5- Take into your consideration the following points: 

 Consider requirements for supplementary lighting (for example, floodlighting, security

lighting, and special task lighting). 
 Consider requirements for the extent of using small appliances by the occupants of this space
(for example, Mechanical spaces in building storage areas and similar spaces in which outlets are
provided but infrequently used are usually neglected in computing loads, except for special cases). 
 Electric power loads shall include all loads other than lighting loads and those served by
general purpose receptacles and comprise the environmental system electric power requirements
and the facility occupancy equipment electric power requirements 

6- Sum the estimated lighting load plus the estimated small appliances load plus the estimated
power loads to get the total estimated electrical loads. 

7- Multiply the total estimated electrical load for the whole building by the power factor value (=
0.8) and a suitable load factor (for future extensions and losses compensations) to get the main
service size. 

Example#2:

A (4) floors office building with a floor area 2000 SF, calculate the total preliminary electrical load
for the transformer(s) feeding this building By using The following tables from ASHRAE and IEEE. 
The solution: 

1- The total gross area of the building = 2000 x 4 = 8000 SF 

2- The building type/usage is Office 

3- From above ASHRAE and IEEE tables, the load densities will be as follows: 
 Lighting = 1.81 W/SF 
 Small appliances = 1 VA/SF 
 Air conditioning = 6 VA/SF 

4- The subtotals estimated electrical loads will be as follows: 

 Lighting = 1.81 W/SF x 8000 = 14,480 Watt 

 Small appliances = 1 VA/SF x 8000 = 8,000 Watt 
 Air conditioning = 6 VA/SF x 8000 = 48,000 Watt 

5- The total estimated electrical load for the Building = 14,480 + 8,000 + 48,000 = 70,480 Watt =
70.5 KW 

6- The preliminary electrical load is based on a cos phi = 0.85 and a transformer load level of 70%. 
7- Transformer output rating for the Building = 70.5 kW / (0.7 x 0.85) = 118.5 kVA (in some
regulations, this load can be feed from utility low voltage network without the need for a
transformer substation inside the user’s premises) 

Free download

 Watt per Square Foot based on IEEE . 

 Watt per Square Meter based on NEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on IEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on Other Regulations. 

In the next topic, I will explain the Third method for preliminary electrical load calculations;
Area method. So, please keep following.
In the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part One ", I explain the definitions of the most
important terms in electrical load estimation and provides download links for factors used in the
electrical load estimation. 

Also, I listed the (5) methods of electrical load estimations which were: 

A- Preliminary load calculation which divide to: 

1. Space by space (functional area method), 

2. Building Area method. 
3. Area method. 

B- NEC load calculations. 

C- Final load calculations. 

I explained the first method of preliminary load calculations; Space by space (functional area
method) in the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part Two ". Also, I explained the
second method; Building Area method in the previous topic " Electrical Load Estimation – Part
Three “. 

Today, I will explain the third method for electrical load estimations which is Area method. 

Third: Area method

Area method is used for Area loads which consist of groups of individual building loads that be
constructed on a large area and will be served by a same subdivision of the electric distribution
system. 

Examples for cases where area loads method will be applied are industrial, residential, commercial
and military areas. The area method will be used for the design of substations serving these areas. 
 Industrial Area

Usage conditions of Area Method

The Area Method may be used only for: 

 Groups of individual building loads within an area. 

Method of estimation by using Area Method 

We have two methods as follows: 
1. Basic method,
2. Optional method (Load center method).

First: basic method

This method is used for one level of electrical distribution inside the area (i.e. the feeders for
individual buildings originated from the main substation switchgear) and the steps of calculations
will be as follows:

 Step #1: list the buildings names included in the area and determine the numbers of
identical buildings. 
 Step#2: calculate the total connected load for each building by using the one or both of the
previous methods; Space by Space and building area. 
 Step#3: determine the classification of each building from table #1. 
 Step#4: determine the demand factor for each building from table #1. 
 Step# 5: determine the load factor for each building from table #1. 
 Step# 6: find the coincidence factor for each building from table #1. 
 Step# 7: calculate the building demand load, where: 

Building Demand load = building connected load (step# 2) x demand factor (step# 4) x coincidence
factor (step# 6) 
 Step# 8: calculate the total building demand for the identical buildings, where 
Total building demand (for identical buildings) = building demand (step# 7) X number of identical
buildings 
 Step# 9: calculate the general loads for this area which include roadway lighting, area
lighting, obstruction lighting, and other loads not included in individual building loads. 
 Step# 10: calculate the total Area demand, where: 
Total Area demand = ∑ (All total buildings demands from step# 8)+ general load (step# 9) 

 Step# 11: apply a load growth factor of 25% and calculate the final total Area demand,
where: 

Final total Area demand= total area demand (step# 9) X 1.25 

 Table#1

you can download table#1 by clicking Here.

Second: Optional Method (Load centers method)

This method is used for multi levels of electrical distributions inside the area (i.e. each group of
individual buildings can be connected to sub-main switchgear far from the main substation
switchgear. The calculation steps will be as follows: 

 Steps from #1 to #7 are the same as in basic method. 

 Step# 8: an additional coincidence factors – differs from that given in Table# 1 - will be
applied to each load center which can be called as “load center coincidence factor”. 
After determination of load center coincidence factor for each load center, the total building
demand = ∑ (All load centers demands). 

 Steps from #9 to # 11 are the same as in basic method. 

Load center coincidence factor values

 For loads of a similar nature, it should be in the range 0.93 to 1.00. 

 For loads of a varying nature (Evening loads and daytime loads) are combined; it should be in
the range of 0.70 to 1.00. 
 The lower values will occur when the magnitudes of the loads are nearly balanced, and the
higher ones when the combined load is predominantly one type. 

Example:
An airforce base has a maintenance area including the following buildings:

Number Total connected

Description
of Buildings load, kw
Fuel oil pump house 1 0.3
Filling station 1 3
Filling station building 1 0.3
Receiver building 1 2.1
Transmitter building 1 37.2
Tacan building 1 0.7
Radar building 1 1.2
Aircraft fire and rescue station 1 8
Aircraft operations building 1 80.2
Photographic building 1 10.5
Academic instruction building 1 47
Operational trainer facility 1 0.1
Aircraft overhaul and repair
1 7600
shop
Paint/finishing hangar 1 127
Engine preparation and storage
shop 1 405
Engine maintenance shop
Engine test cell 1 360
Missile equipment maintenance
1 3
facility
Auto vehicle maintenance
1 370
facility
Fire station 1 14.6

Calculate the main electrical service size for this area using the building connected loads indicated
above. 
The solution:

By using table #1 and the basic method described above for estimating the electrical load of an
area, the following table summarizes the solution steps: 

Total Demand Maximum Load

Coinciden Coincide
Description Connected  factor,  demand, factor,
ce factor, % nce peak, kw
 load, kw  %  %  %
Fuel oil
0.3 100 0.3 52 52(1) 0.2
pump house
Filling
3 60 1.8 18 57(1) 1
station
Filling station
0.3 80 0.2 20 61(1) 0.1
 building
Receiver
2.1 65 1.4 72 79 1.1
 building
Transmitter
37.2 65 1.4 72 79 19.1
 building
Tacan building 0.7 65 0.5 72 79 0.4
Radar building 1.2 70 0.8 72 79 0.6
Aircraft fire
 and rescue 8 30 2.4 15 52(1) 1.2
station
Aircraft
 Operations 80.2 80 64.2 28 68(1) 43.6
 building
Photographic
10.5 70 7.4 18 57(1) 4.2
 building
Academic
 Instruction 47 60 28.2 22 62(1) 17.5
 building
Operational
0.1 80 0.1 15 52(1) 0.1
 trainer facility
Aircraft
 overhaul
7600 38 2890 25 95(2) 2745
 and repair
 shop
Paint/
Finishing 127 70 89 26 66(1) 58.3
 hangar
Engine
 Preparation
 and storage
 shop 405 40 162 15 52(1) 84.2
Engine
Maintenance
 shop
Engine test
360 45 162 28 68(1) 110
 cell
Missile 3 40 1.2 22 62(1) 0.7
equipment
maintenance
 facility
Auto
vehicle
370 60 222 25 65(1) 145
Maintenance
 facility
Fire station 14.6 30 4.4 15 52(1) 2.3
Total 3235
System loss (6%) 194
Grand total (Main electrical service size) 3429

Free download 

You can download an excel worksheet for preliminary load calculation as per area method b y
clicking Here. 

General notes for all methods of electrical load estimations

1- Method combination 
A particular design may use one Preliminary load estimate method or a combination from two or
even the three methods. 

2- System loss 
A system loss of approximately 6 %, based on calculated maximum demand, should be added to the
preliminary building load. 

3- Load growth 
Determine the requirements for load growth for anticipated usage and life expectancy with
particular attention to the possibility of adding heavy loads in the form of air conditioning, electric
heating, electric data processing, and electronic communication equipment. No more than 10%
spare capacity will be considered during design unless otherwise noted. 

Free download 

 Watt per Square Foot based on IEEE . 

 Watt per Square Meter based on NEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on IEC. 
 Watt per Square Meter based on Other Regulations. 
In the next topics, I will explain how to design and draw an optimal single line diagram. So, please
keep following.