Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: jes25, Location: Midwest
Asked on: Monday, March 17, 2025 at 2:03 pm EDT
Answered on: Monday, March 17, 2025 at 2:03 pm EDT
Question: Is this section only referring to the required receptacle outlets of 210.62 or is it including hardwired lights?The way I understand this is that if I had hardwired light in addition to the 210.62 required receptacles, the 200 VA per foot or 180VA per outlet called out in 220.14(G) would be added to the 200VA per foot for lights of 220.46.Example: 10' of show window with hardwired lights and (2) required receptacles.10x200 = 2000VA lighting load (220.46)2 receptacles (required by 210.62) 180 x 2 = 360VA receptacle load.Total show window load = 2360 VA
You're correct in your understanding and your calculation is also correct. Let's break down why: 210.62 (Show Windows)
This section mandates the installation of at least one receptacle outlet directly above a show window for each 12 linear feet or major fraction thereof. These are required receptacles.
220.14(G) (Receptacle Outlets)
This section provides the minimum general lighting load for non-dwelling receptacle outlets, including those required in 210.62 for show windows. You're correct to use 180VA per receptacle outlet here, as it is the minimum VA requirement.
220.46 (Show-Window and Track Lighting)
This section specifically addresses the calculation of show window lighting load, using the 200 VA per linear foot rule. This covers hardwired lights in the show window.So, your understanding is correct: You add the lighting load (from 220.46) to the receptacle load (from 220.14(G)) to get the total show window load.
Your Example is Correct
Show Window Length: 10 feet 220.46 Lighting Load: 10 feet 200 VA/foot = 2000 VA Receptacle Outlets: 2 (you'd need at least one per 12' foot run, so 2 is needed for 10' of show window) 220.14(G) Receptacle Load: 2 receptacles 180 VA/receptacle = 360 VA Total Show Window Load: 2000 VA + 360 VA = 2360 VA
Important Considerations
Actual Lighting Load
If the actual connected lighting load is greater than the 200 VA/foot calculation, you must use the actual load. The code provides the minimum, but not the maximum, it is always fine to size larger than the minimum.
220.14(I)
In some cases, it is permitted to add the receptacles for show windows to the general lighting load requirements. In doing this, the show window receptacles would not have to be calculated at the requirements of 220.14(G).
Demand Factors: Keep in mind that demand factors (as outlined in Article 220) may apply to the total* connected load for the service or feeder, but not to the individual branch circuit calculations within the show window.In summary, your interpretation of the code sections and your calculation method are accurate. You're correctly accounting for both the required receptacles and the dedicated lighting load in the show window calculation. Flag for review