Panel load is the total amount of electrical energy that can be drawn from a single electrical panel, measured in amps. It is the sum of all electrical current used by appliances in a building. The panel is rated for a specific load, and municipal building codes determine the load required. Upgrading the panel should only be done by a professional, and in some areas, panel load may be rated in VA units.
Panel load refers to the total amount of electrical energy that can be drawn from a single electrical panel. It represents the sum of all the electrical current used by each appliance in a home or commercial building. In the United States (USA), panel load is usually measured in amperes or amps.
Every item that relies on electricity draws energy from one or more circuits within a panel. Large appliances such as heaters or tumble dryers often have their own dedicated circuitry to handle the increased load these items require. Smaller appliances, lighting, and other electrical needs often share a circuit, as they typically draw lower levels of electricity. By adding the total amps, or current, used by each of these items, you can determine the total panel load.
Each electrical panel is rated for a specific load based on factors such as design, wiring, and safety features. For example, a panel in a single family home may be rated for 200 amps, while commercial facilities may have panels rated much higher. Panel rating lets users know how much total electricity can be safely drawn from the panel. Attempting to draw energy beyond this value can cause circuit failure and cause fire and other serious hazards.
Municipal building codes determine the total load required for electrical panels within a facility. Builders must install panels that can safely handle this load. Homeowners looking to increase the available electrical current within the home should upgrade the panel to meet these needs. This type of work is very complex and dangerous and should only be handled by a trained professional. Improper panel updates can lead to system failure, poor performance, or even electrical fire.
In most cases, the panel must be designed to handle a higher than rated electricity level. For example, a panel rated at 200 amps may be required by code to handle surge currents up to 250 amps. This protects residents from harm during a power surge and also protects users if too many electrical devices are used at once. Local and national electrical codes determine how much excess energy the panel should be designed to handle.
In some areas, panel load may be rated in voltage amps or VA units. In this type of application, users should first calculate the total panel load in amps. By multiplying the total amps by the standard 120 volt power supply used in the United States, users can calculate the panel load in VA units.
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