A
load calculation adds up the electrical demand of your home, including lighting, appliances, heating and cooling, and anything you plan to add, using the method in the electrical code. It tells you whether your existing service can handle a new
EV charger, heat pump or ADU, or whether you need an upgrade. Want help? See our
panel upgrades service.
What Goes into It
Your home’s square footage, fixed appliances like ranges, dryers and water heaters, heating and cooling equipment, and new loads you’re planning. Code-based demand factors account for the fact that not everything runs at once.
Why It Matters
It’s the difference between a full service upgrade and a simple new circuit. Many homes have more room than the owner expects, and some have less.
Want a licensed electrician to take a look? Ready Electric answers 24/7.
When Permits Require One
Panel and service upgrades often require a load calculation with the permit application, and utilities may ask for it when you request a bigger service. Ready Electric prepares it.
Options When You’re Short on Capacity
- Upgrade the service
- Add a load management device that shares capacity between an EV charger and other loads
- Choose lower-amperage equipment, like a smaller EV charger setting
