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NEC Residential Load Calculator

Find out whether your electrical panel can handle an EV charger, heat pump, or addition — and download an AHJ-ready load calculation. Built by licensed C-10 electricians.

Free tool. NEC Article 220. Your result is an engineering estimate for planning & permitting; final design is subject to field verification and AHJ approval.

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We'll run the calc and pull the permit for you.

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⚠ Disclaimer — please read. This calculator is a free planning tool provided “as is.” The results depend entirely on the information you enter and are an estimate, not a design, a permit, or professional engineering advice. You are solely responsible for the inputs and the output, and for verifying the calculation, load values, and code edition with your local Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) and a licensed professional before relying on it. Pacific Edge Electric and Solar makes no warranty and accepts no liability for any use of, or reliance on, this tool or its results. Actual load calculations for permitting must be prepared and stamped/signed by a qualified, licensed professional.

1. Method & code

For an existing panel: enter your existing loads and what you're adding (EV charger, range, oven, etc.), then mark the new ones “Adding” in the loads table. The method adjusts automatically.

2. Project & service

3. Dwelling

4. Loads

+ Add a custom load

Enter VA (or use amps × volts). ×

+ Upload a panel list (CSV)

One row per circuit: Breaker Amps, Poles, Description, [VA/Watts], [Volts]. We auto-map named appliances (range, dryer, EV, A/C, water heater…). Note: a breaker's amperage isn't the calculated load — general receptacle/lighting circuits are covered by the VA/ft² general load.

LoadVAQtyAdding?
No loads added yet — click a load on the left.

Add your service size and loads, then calculate.

Load calculator FAQ

What is an electrical load calculation?

A load calculation adds up the electrical demand of a home — general lighting and receptacles (by square footage), plus appliances like ranges, dryers, HVAC, water heaters, and EV chargers — and applies the NEC demand factors to estimate the total load in amps. It tells you whether your electrical service and panel are big enough for what you have and what you're planning to add.

Do I need a load calculation to add an EV charger or heat pump?

Usually, yes. Most Bay Area jurisdictions require a load calculation with the permit application when you add a significant new load like a Level 2 EV charger, heat pump, heat-pump water heater, or an addition — to confirm your existing 100A or 200A service can handle it without an upgrade.

Which NEC method does this calculator use?

It runs NEC Article 220 — the standard method (Part III) and the optional methods (220.82 for new dwellings, 220.83 for existing dwellings adding load) — using the 2023 NEC / 2025 CEC cycle by default, with 2022 CEC and 2026 NEC also selectable.

Can I submit the PDF to my city or AHJ?

The downloadable PDF is a clean, branded NEC Article 220 load-calculation worksheet suitable for planning and permit submittals. It's an engineering estimate based on the values you enter; final design and code compliance are subject to field verification and approval by your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ). For a stamped/permitted calculation, have our licensed C-10 team prepare it.

What if the calculation says my panel is too small?

You have options: a service or panel upgrade, or in many cases a load-management device (EVEMS) that lets you add an EV charger without upsizing the service. We can walk you through the most cost-effective path — get a free quote.