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What is Circuit Load?

Gregory Hanson
Gregory Hanson

Circuit load refers to the amount of power that is drawn through a given electrical circuit. Typical home circuits are rated for 15, 20, or 30 ampere maximum load and should have a normal extended operating load no greater than 80% of their rated maximum. The maximum circuit load for any particular circuit is determined by the wiring used in that circuit. Different types of appliances will place different loads on a building’s electrical system, and circuits should be planned to support the appliances that will eventually draw power from them.

The maximum circuit load is determined by the rating of the circuit breaker or,in older buildings, the fuse on that circuit and by the thickness of wire used to install the circuit. Thicker wire can safely carry more current. Fourteen gauge wire, which has a diameter of 0.0641 inches (1.628 mm), can safely carry a 15 amp circuit load, 12 gauge, 0.080 inch (2.053 mm) diameter wire, can handle 20 amps, and 10 gauge, 0.1019 inch (2.588 mm) wire, is rated for 30 amps. Longer runs of wire require larger wire, to account for the gradual increase in resistance imposed by the longer run. Local building codes may modify these base requirements further, and should always be consulted.

Fuses in a fusebox.
Fuses in a fusebox.

Circuit load can be calculated by adding up the power that individual appliances on that circuit require. Some appliances will indicate the amount of power that they draw in amps. Others will be rated in watts and volts. Almost all household circuits will run at 110 volts, while certain appliances that require a great deal of power, such as electric ranges or dryers, will need to be placed on circuits with higher voltage. To determine an amp rating for an appliance, use the watt and volt ratings in the equation: watts = volts x amps. For example, an appliance that draws 330 watts at 110 volts would require 330 / 110, or 3, amps of power.

Circuit breakers.
Circuit breakers.

When calculating circuit load for a circuit that will include lighting, calculations should always be based on the highest power consumption that could be expected. If a light fixture can safely accept bulbs up to 100 watts, then calculations should be based on the assumption that 100 watt bulbs will be used. Compact fluorescent bulbs indicate the wattage that they draw, but some other types of fluorescent fixtures require power based on the needs of the ballasts within the lamp, rather than only on the bulbs used. This information should be listed on the exterior of the lamp, or on the ballast.

Discussion Comments

allenJo

@everetra - I agree. I think that everyone could use a little education about electrical loads and amperage. You don’t have to be an electrician to figure it out.

Sometimes you learn the hard way, like when you attempt to install a high powered light bulb in a low powered bulb and the thing blows up.

I work in the electrical utility industry and we work with circuit breakers all the time. They are mission critical devices, along with overcurrent relays, which prevent electrical spikes from happening.

All short circuits basically take place the same way. They basically open up the circuit so that it no longer receives electricity. This is true whether you’re talking about a fuse in your power supply cabinet or a protective relay in a substation.

everetra

I believe it’s an unfortunate reality that many people don’t consider electrical load when shopping for electrical wires.

The wires themselves will usually tell you the maximum amperage that the cables can sustain; however most people just pay attention to the length of the wires.

In most cases they are just looking for an extension cord that will let them plug an appliance or tool somewhere when an electrical socket is not nearby.

However the article makes clear that not all wires are the same. Even with this oversight, you may generally be okay because a lot of cables are rated at slightly higher than the maximum load for an appliance, but you still run the risk of triggering a short circuit for a high powered appliance powered by a thin cable.

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