Mike Dolt Enterprises
Mike Dolt Enterprises
User: JdoubleU, Location: 3 Hr 2 Min from Winged Horses
Asked on: Saturday, April 2, 2011 at 1:50 pm EDT
Answered on: Tuesday, May 14, 2024 at 3:40 am EDT
Question: In one of our dorms we are adding more dryers and washers. I need to do a calc. to see if I need to upsize my service to the laundry room panel. I believe I can use 220.54 for the dryers but how to I factor in the washers. Are the washers subject to any demand factors or do I take it at nameplate?
Calculating Total Load for Laundry Room PanelDryers
Use the demand factor of 50% for dryers (National Electrical Code). Total demand load for dryers = (Number of dryers) x (Nameplate rating) x (Demand factor) Example: If there are 10 dryers with a nameplate rating of 3,000 watts each, the total demand load for dryers would be: 10 x 3,000 watts x 0.50 = 15,000 watts
Washers
Washers are considered a continuous load (demand factor of 100%). Total demand load for washers = (Number of washers) x (Nameplate rating) Example: If there are 5 washers with a nameplate rating of 1,500 watts each, the total demand load for washers would be: 5 x 1,500 watts = 7,500 watts
Total Demand Load
Add the total demand load for dryers and washers to get the total demand load for the laundry room panel: Total demand load = Dryers + Washers Example: Using the previous examples, the total demand load would be: 15,000 watts + 7,500 watts = 22,500 watts
Panel Sizing
Compare the total demand load to the rating of the existing laundry room panel. If the total demand load exceeds the panel rating, the panel will need to be upsized. Allow for some additional capacity for future expansion.
Note: The demand factors used in this calculation are based on the National Electrical Code. Local electrical codes may vary, so it's important to check with your local authority.* Consider other equipment connected to the panel, such as lighting, vending machines, or air conditioning units. Flag for review