When determining load for each household electric clothes dryer in a dwelling unit, which value should be used?

The manufacturer’s specified nameplate rating is the value that should be used when determining the load for each household electric clothes dryer in a dwelling unit. This rating reflects the maximum electrical load that the dryer is designed to draw under normal operating conditions. Using the nameplate rating ensures that the calculations for load are based on the actual specifications provided by the manufacturer, which takes into account the efficiency and operational characteristics of the appliance.

In practical scenarios, relying on the average load of similar appliances or estimating based on a percentage of connected load may lead to inaccuracies in load calculations that could jeopardize electrical safety or performance. Additionally, considering all connected loads of the unit could result in an overestimation of the actual load that the dryer would impose on the electrical system. Hence, the nameplate rating provides the most reliable basis for determining the required electrical capacity and ensures compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC) and relevant safety standards.