What is the calculated net lighting and small appliance load for a single-family dwelling of 1,350 sq ft?

To determine the correct net lighting and small appliance load for a single-family dwelling, it is essential to understand how these loads are generally calculated based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines. In residential load calculations, the standard method for calculating the general lighting load is by using a predetermined factor per square foot.

Typically, the NEC suggests a general lighting load of 3 volt-amperes (VA) per square foot for dwelling units. For a single-family dwelling of 1,350 square feet, the calculation is straightforward:

1,350 sq ft × 3 VA/sq ft = 4,050 VA for lighting.

In addition to this lighting load, small appliance loads must also be considered. The NEC provides a load of 1,500 VA for each of a minimum of two small appliance circuits. This adds an additional 3,000 VA (1,500 VA × 2 circuits).

Therefore, adding the lighting load and the small appliance load:

4,050 VA (lighting) + 3,000 VA (small appliances) = 7,050 VA.

However, it is critical to note that the question asks for the calculated net lighting and small appliance load. In some contexts, such as when balancing circuits