If you are still running load calculations off the 2023 NEC, a few things changed. Here is a quick version of how a standard dwelling-unit feeder or service load calculation works under the 2026 NEC.
This is the standard method, not the Optional Method. Local amendments, equipment listing instructions, and the AHJ always control.
The Big 2026 Changes First
Article 220 is gone. Load calculations are now in Article 120.
For dwelling-unit feeder and service calculations, the general lighting and general-use receptacle load dropped from 3 VA per square foot to 2 VA per square foot.
The Optional Method first tier dropped from 10 kVA to 8 kVA at 100%.
Article 120 load calculations no longer require continuous loads to be calculated at 125%. Continuous-load rules can still apply later when sizing conductors and overcurrent protection.
The Calculation — Step by Step
Step 1 — General Lighting and General-Use Receptacle Load
NEC 120.41
Multiply the dwelling floor area by 2 VA per square foot.
Use exterior dimensions. Exclude detached garages, open porches, and unfinished areas that are not adaptable for future use as habitable rooms or occupiable spaces.
Example:
2,000 sq ft × 2 VA = 4,000 VA
Step 2 — Small-Appliance and Laundry Circuits
NEC 120.52
Add at least two small-appliance branch circuits and one laundry branch circuit at 1,500 VA each.
2 small-appliance circuits × 1,500 VA = 3,000 VA 1 laundry circuit × 1,500 VA = 1,500 VA
Total: 4,500 VA
Subtotal before demand factors:
4,000 VA + 4,500 VA = 8,500 VA
Step 3 — Apply Lighting Demand Factors
Table 120.45
Apply the dwelling-unit demand factors to the combined general-lighting, small-appliance, and laundry load.
First 3,000 VA at 100% = 3,000 VA Remaining 5,500 VA at 35% = 1,925 VA
Adjusted general load:
3,000 VA + 1,925 VA = 4,925 VA
Step 4 — Household Cooking Equipment
Table 120.55
For one household range rated 12 kW or less, use a demand load of 8,000 VA.
For one household range rated over 12 kW, increase the 8,000 VA demand by 5% for each kW or major fraction of a kW above 12 kW.
Wall-mounted ovens and counter-mounted cooking units are calculated using the applicable provisions and notes in Table 120.55.
Individual appliance branch circuits, conductors, breakers, and overcurrent protection must still be sized according to the appliance nameplate, listing, manufacturer instructions, and applicable NEC rules.
Step 5 — Electric Clothes Dryers
NEC 120.54 and Table 120.54
Use the dryer nameplate rating, if available, or 5,000 VA minimum, whichever is greater, for each dryer served.
For multiple household dryers, the 2026 demand table begins reducing the feeder or service load at the third dryer:
* 1–2 dryers: 100% * 3–5 dryers: 80% * 6 dryers: 75%
For larger groups of dryers, use the applicable demand factor in Table 120.54.
For an individual dryer branch circuit, use the dryer nameplate rating or 5,000 VA minimum, whichever is greater. Do not use the multiple-dryer demand factors to reduce an individual dryer branch circuit.
Step 6 — Fixed Appliances
NEC 120.53
Add the nameplate load for each appliance that is fastened in place and supplied by the same feeder or service. Examples include electric water heaters, dishwashers, garbage disposals, built-in microwaves, and trash compactors.
A fixed appliance qualifies toward the 75% demand factor when it is rated ¼ hp or greater, or 500 watts or greater.
* If there are fewer than four qualifying fixed appliances, calculate the applicable appliance loads at 100%. * If there are four or more qualifying fixed appliances, calculate the combined nameplate load of the qualifying appliances at 75%.
Do not apply this 75% appliance demand factor to household electric cooking equipment, clothes dryers, space-heating equipment, air-conditioning equipment, or EV charging equipment. Calculate those loads separately.
For motor-operated equipment, use the applicable motor-load rules to determine the load. Use the equipment nameplate whenever the applicable NEC rule calls for nameplate data. Where the NEC requires a motor full-load-current table value, use the applicable NEC table rather than a calculated or assumed value. Do not assume that a motor’s VA value is automatically the same as its watts rating.
Step 7 — Noncoincident Heating and Air-Conditioning Loads
NEC 120.6
Do not add loads that cannot operate at the same time.
For two or more noncoincident loads, use the single larger calculated load. When comparing motor-operated or combination loads, include the applicable motor-load treatment under NEC 120.11(A).
Example:
A/C = 5,000 VA Electric furnace = 10,000 VA
Use: 10,000 VA
If heating and cooling equipment can operate simultaneously, such as a heat pump with electric supplemental heat, include the loads that can actually operate at the same time.
Step 8 — Other Applicable Loads and Motor Treatment
Add other applicable loads not already included, such as EV charging equipment, pools, spas, hot tubs, well pumps, elevators, and permanently installed specialty equipment.
Apply the applicable motor-load rules under NEC 120.11(A). For a feeder or service supplying motors, include the required treatment for the largest motor without double-counting that motor load.
Final Step — Add the Demand Loads
Add together:
* Adjusted general-lighting, small-appliance, and laundry load * Cooking-equipment demand load * Dryer demand load * Fixed-appliance demand load * Applicable heating or air-conditioning load * EV charging equipment and other applicable loads * Required motor-load adjustment
That total is the calculated dwelling-unit feeder or service load in VA.
For a 120/240 V, single-phase dwelling service:
Total VA ÷ 240 V = calculated service or feeder amperes
WORKED EXAMPLE TABLE
| Load | Demand |
|---|---|
| Lighting, receptacles, small appliance & laundry | 4,925 VA |
| Range (12 kW) | 8,000 VA |
| Dryer | 5,000 VA |
| Dishwasher | 1,500 VA |
| Water heater | 4,500 VA |
| Electric furnace | 10,000 VA |
| Total | 33,925 VA |
33,925 ÷ 240V = 141.4A → 200A service
The final service rating, conductor size, and overcurrent protection must be selected using the applicable NEC sizing rules, equipment ratings, and AHJ requirements.
2023 VS 2026 REFERENCE TABLE
| 2023 NEC | 2026 NEC | |
|---|---|---|
| Load calc article | Art. 220 | Art. 120 |
| Lighting load (service calc) | 3 VA/sq ft | 2 VA/sq ft |
| Optional method first tier | 10 kVA @ 100% | 8 kVA @ 100% |
| Dryer demand reduction starts | 5th dryer (85%) | 3rd dryer (80%) |
| 125% continuous load in calc | Required | Removed |