When calculating receptacle loads for an office building, should you use the larger or smaller of the receptacle loads?

When calculating receptacle loads for an office building, using the smaller receptacle load is appropriate due to the application of demand factors and the typical usage patterns in office environments. The National Electrical Code (NEC) recognizes that not all receptacle outlets are likely to be used at their full capacity simultaneously.

In many cases, office spaces may have multiple receptacles, but due to factors like peak occupancy and specific usage routines, actual load requirements tend to be less than the maximum specified rating. This allows for more efficient designing of electrical systems, optimizing both load calculations and system capacity without overbuilding. Additionally, using the smaller load reflects a more conservative and safer approach, minimizing the risk of overload and ensuring compliance with code requirements.

For example, if individual receptacle outlets are rated at a certain amperage, using the smaller load accounts for possible diversity and the likelihood that not all receptacles will draw their maximum rated capacity at the same time. This leads to more accurate load planning, energy efficiency, and safety in the design of electrical installations in office buildings.