---
title: "What Is Load calculation? Electrical Glossary | Daniel Electric"
description: "A load calculation adds up the power a building's lights, outlets and appliances may draw, so the service and circuits can be sized correctly."
url: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/load-calculation
publisher: Daniel Electric
phone: +1-817-481-8606
quote: https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact
---

Power and utility

# Load calculation

A load calculation adds up the power a building's lights, outlets and appliances may draw, so the service and circuits can be sized correctly.

Oncor defines connected load as the combined requirement of all motors and other power-using devices on the customer's premises. A load calculation starts there, then uses code demand factors to estimate real peak use. The result shows whether the [electrical panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-panel) and service can take new loads.

An addition, hot tub or EV charger can push a service past its capacity. See [demand load](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/demand-load) for why the peak is lower than the total of everything. A licensed electrician runs the calculation under the adopted code. See [panels and service upgrades](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/guides/electrical-panels-and-service-upgrades).

[Daniel Electric can helpElectrical panel repair and replacement](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/electrical-panel-repair-replacement)

## Related terms

-   [Demand load](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/demand-load)
-   [Service upgrade](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/service-upgrade)
-   [Electrical panel](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/electrical-panel)
-   [Amperage](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/glossary/amperage)

## Sources

1.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)
2.  [Oncor: Electric Service Guidelines](https://www.oncor.com/content/dam/oncorwww/documents/electric-service-guidelines/Electric%20Service%20Guidelines%202021.pdf)

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## Need an electrician in Southlake?

Call and tell us what is going on. A photo of the panel label or the problem helps us come prepared. Quotes on new installations are free.

[Call (817) 481-8606](tel:+1-817-481-8606)[Get a quote](https://danielelectric.multisites.ai/contact)

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