Electrical Load Calculation Service

An electrical load calculation is an essential aspect of maintaining safety and efficiency in residential properties. Homeowners in the City of Edmonton should be aware of the importance of this service, especially when installing electrical components that require permits, such as Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations. This article will provide an overview of electrical load calculation services for residential properties, discuss the importance of accurate calculations, and emphasize the need for professional assistance in this process.

Understanding Electrical Load Calculation

Electrical load calculation is the process of determining the amount of electrical energy required by a residential property. It takes into account the various electrical devices and appliances in use, as well as their individual power consumption. By accurately calculating the electrical demand, homeowners can prevent overloading circuits and reduce the risk of electrical hazards.

Importance of an Accurate Calculation

An accurate electrical load calculation is crucial for several reasons:

Ensuring the safety of the electrical system
Avoiding potential hazards, such as fires or electrical shocks
Ensuring adequate power supply for all devices and appliances
Reducing energy consumption and costs
Meeting the requirements of the City of Edmonton

Risks of Not Conducting a Load Calculation

Failing to conduct an accurate electrical load calculation can lead to:

Overloading circuits, which can cause fires or damage to appliances
Inefficient energy use, resulting in higher utility bills
Non-compliance with the City of Edmonton’s requirements, potentially leading to fines or denial of permits

A master electrician readies his tools for doing an electrical load calculation

When is an Electrical Load Calculation Required in Edmonton

Explanation of Electrical Permits in the City of Edmonton

In the City of Edmonton, electrical permits are required for many types of electrical installations, including EV charger stations, hot tubs, and air conditioners. The city may request a service load calculation for any permit application, depending on the discretion of the electrical inspector and the specifics of the installation.

Factors that Determine Whether Electrical Load Calculation is Required

Some factors that may influence the requirement include:

The type of installation
The capacity of the existing electrical system
The city’s electrical inspector’s discretion

The highest probability of requiring a load calculation to ensure the safety of your home would be for installations of:

EV Chargers
Hot Tubs
Air Conditioners

The Electrical Load Calculation Process for Residential Properties in Edmonton

Importance of Hiring a Professional Electrical Contractor

Hiring a professional electrical contractor is essential for ensuring the safety and accuracy of your electrical load calculation. They can navigate the complexities of electrical systems and ensure your home complies with the City of Edmonton’s requirements.

Steps Involved in Electrical Load Calculation

The process involves:

Identifying all electrical devices and appliances in the home
Determining the power consumption of each device
Calculating the total electrical demand load
Assessing the capacity of the existing electrical system
Identifying any potential issues or hazards

Conducting a load calculation on a single or multiple family dwelling involves a few steps

As master electricians we are educated and tested on our abilities to read the code and apply it in situations like this.

For example, your standard home range is rated for 12-14,000 watts each. However, we don’t apply that number directly to the demand of the home, we only apply a portion of it, a percentage to be exact. Then we tack on the other heating and air conditioning loads, any electric water heaters, spas, and hot tubs, electric kilns, electric dryers, saunas, large consumption dishwashers, big electric tools, etc.

We then also use the square footage of the home to decide what the demand of all the basic receptacles, and lighting in the home with use.

Once this is all calculated and added together we can find out what the demand load on your home’s service installation is. If you have a 60A service, when the home was built, the calculated load would have been 59.999999 amps, or less. That would give you a requirement for the 60a service.

Should the calculation come out to 60.0001 amps, or more, then the next available size service of 100a would need to be used, or higher, should the calculation be above the next size available.

Factors Considered in Electrical Load Calculation

Factors that are considered during the electrical load calculation process include:

The power consumption of individual devices and appliances
The total number of devices and appliances in the home
The capacity of the existing electrical system
The overall layout and design of the electrical system
The requirements of the City of Edmonton

Some challenges and limitations include:

The complexity of electrical systems in modern homes
The potential for inaccuracies or mistakes, especially without professional assistance
The need to stay updated on local regulations and requirements

Electrician Near Me? Our Edmonton Electricians Are Ready to Help

ECEB Rebate Program

City of Edmonton and Electrical Load Calculations

The City of Edmonton has specific requirements regarding electrical load calculations, which homeowners must follow to be approved for the Edmonton EV Charger (ECEB) Rebate Program. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, homeowners can ensure the safety and functionality of their electrical systems, while also benefiting from financial incentives offered by the city.

Electrical Load Calculation FAQ’s

Can a homeowner submit their own electrical load calculation to the City of Edmonton?

A homeowner cannot submit their own load calculation sheet. The City of Edmonton will not accept an electrical load calculation from anyone other than a master electrician when it comes to the requirement for issuing a permit for a single or multiple family dwelling. The intent behind this is, masters are trained and held accountable for their ability to complete this calculation correctly. The calculation is held indefinitely at the city and could be used for future permits and inspections as well.

The Canadian electrical code is written in legal speak and used to write the law of our trade. The use of the code properly to do this calculation is vital to ensure you get the correct answers and allow you to make the best decision you can when looking at options for your installation.

Can any electrician provide an electrical load calculation?

No, not just any electrician. They must be a Master electrician. A Journeyman electrician may be able to complete the calculation, however, they are not certified for load calculations for the city of Edmonton, and therefore cannot be held accountable for the calculation. Master electricians are specifically trained to complete these calculations easily, and correctly the first time.

How long does it take for an electrician to calculate an Electrical load for a home?

This would depend solely on how many major appliances and additional loads you have in your home over 1500W. This includes but is not limited to, washer, dryer, dishwasher, hot tub, spa, sauna, welder, air compressor, electric vehicle charger, electric heating, electric hot water tank, large audio installations, wood shops, secondary suites, etc.

The amount of time to complete the site evaluation is directly proportional to the number of devices you have, and square footage of your home.

How much does an electrical load calculation cost on average?

The cost of an electrical load calculation involves the time to walk the property and get all the details on the appliances, measure the home if necessary, lookup additional information on appliances if needed. Then the calculation itself doesn’t take long but it needs to be done right. Please contact us should you need a load calculation on your property/ies and we can discuss what you need and how Alpha electrical services can be of assistance in streamlining your project with you.

Wrapping Up

In summary, electrical load calculation services are essential for homeowners in the City of Edmonton, particularly when installing electrical components that require permits, such as EV charging stations.

Accurate load calculations ensure the safety of your home, prevent potential hazards, and help you comply with local regulations. The importance of hiring a professional electrical contractor, such as Alpha Electrical Services, cannot be overstated, as they can provide expert guidance and assistance throughout the process.

Learn more about the Electric Vehicle charging station installs offered by Alpha Electrical Services. Get more information on the process for obtaining a permit from the City of Edmonton for an EV Charger installation here.

To ensure the safety of your home and avoid any potential electrical hazards, it is highly recommended to hire a professional electrical contractor for electrical load calculation services. The highest probability of requiring a load calculation to ensure the safety of your home would be for installations of EV charges, hot tubs, and air conditioners. The city of Edmonton may ask for a service load calculation for nearly any permit request at their prerogative. Contacting an electrical contractor for this service is easy and will provide peace of mind knowing your home is safe and you’ve followed the requirements of the City.

We are ready to provide a load calculation! Call Us Today!

780-245-3114