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NEC Article 220.52(A) & (B)Worked ExampleElectrical

Kitchen Small Appliance & Laundry Branch Circuit Feeder Demand

Calculate total volt-ampere service demand for required kitchen small-appliance and laundry circuits under NEC Article 220.52.

Direct Answer
4,500 VA Base Demand (Three 20A Dedicated Branch Circuits)

Calculated strictly in accordance with NEC Article 220.52(A) & (B).

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Given Scenario Parameters

wattage4500
voltage120
continuousNon-continuous

Interactive Calculator (Pre-filled)

Adjust inputs to evaluate variations of this NEC code scenario.

Interactive Electric Load Calculator

Pre-loaded with NEC 220.51 & 424.3(B) parameters

Nameplate wattage of the heating unit or load

Line-to-line or line-to-neutral

NEC 424.3(B) mandates that fixed electric space heating equipment branch circuits must be sized at 125% of the total load current.

Calculated OutputLive Recalculation
Base Running Current37.5 A4500W ÷ 120V
Required Ampacity (125%)37.5 A37.5A × 1
Minimum Circuit Breaker:40 Ampere
Recommended Conductor (75°C Cu):8 AWG Copper
Overcurrent Protection Rule:NEC 240.4 & 424.3(B)
Adjust wattage or voltage on the left to recalculate continuous service loads instantly.

Step-by-Step Solution

Formal engineering derivation citing applicable National Electrical Code articles.

Governing Code Equation
Total VA = (2 Kitchen Circuits * 1500 VA) + (1 Laundry Circuit * 1500 VA)
Citing NEC Article 220.52(A) & (B)
1

Per NEC 220.52(A), provide a minimum of two 20A small appliance branch circuits rated at 1,500 VA each = 3,000 VA.

2

Per NEC 220.52(B), provide at least one 20A laundry circuit rated at 1,500 VA.

3

Sum base load: 3,000 VA + 1,500 VA = 4,500 VA before applying dwelling demand factors.

Conclusion: 4,500 VA Base Demand (Three 20A Dedicated Branch Circuits)
NEC Article 220.52(A) & (B)