Free Construction Calculators & Tools/Electrical Load Calculator

Electrical Load Calculator

Calculate total connected load, maximum demand, and electrical sizing requirements. Recommends main breaker size, cable sizing, and transformer capacity.

System Settings

Demand factor: 0.6x

Fixed Loads

Estimated at 180W per outlet with 30% diversity

Appliances
Appliance #1

Leave blank for default: 2000W

Appliance #2

Leave blank for default: 2500W

Connected Load

16.6 kW

Max Demand

10.0 kW

Main Breaker

80A

Connected Load

16.6 kW

Maximum Demand

10.0 kW

(11.7 kVA)

Electrical Sizing
Main Breaker Size80Amps
Recommended Cable25mm²
Appliance Breakdown
Split AC Unit (×3)6.0 kWDemand: 3.6 kW
Water Heater (×2)5.0 kWDemand: 3.0 kW
Fixed Load Summary
Lighting Load2.0kW
Central HVAC0.0kW
Socket Outlets20 outlets(3.6 kW)

Notes:

  • Maximum demand includes diversity factors per appliance type
  • Main breaker sized at 80% loading capacity
  • Cable sizing based on current carrying capacity
  • Transformer recommended when demand exceeds 50 kVA
  • Power factor assumed at 0.85 for kVA calculation
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DISCLAIMER

This calculator provides ESTIMATES for preliminary planning purposes. Results are based on standard assumptions and may not reflect your specific project conditions.

By using this tool, you acknowledge that:

1. All calculations are approximate and based on typical industry standards and assumptions.

About This Calculator

This Electrical Load Calculator helps MEP engineers estimate building electrical requirements per IEC and local utility standards. Calculate total connected load, apply demand factors for different load types, determine maximum demand, and size main electrical distribution equipment. Essential for coordinating with DEWA, ADDC, SEWA, and other Gulf utility providers during building permit applications.

When to Use This Calculator

  • Calculating electrical loads for new building designs
  • Sizing main switchboards and distribution boards
  • Determining transformer capacity requirements
  • Preparing load schedules for utility applications
  • Verifying electrical capacity for building additions

How to Use This Calculator

1

Enter connected loads

Input lighting, power, HVAC, and equipment loads in kW or kVA

2

Apply demand factors

Select appropriate demand factors based on load type and codes

3

Calculate maximum demand

Tool computes total maximum demand with diversity

4

Size main equipment

Get recommended main breaker, cable, and transformer sizes

5

Review load schedule

Export formatted load schedule for utility submission

Typical Scenarios in UAE & Gulf Projects

Dubai Office Tower

30-floor commercial tower with 500kW lighting, 800kW small power, 2000kW HVAC, and 300kW lifts. Calculator applies demand factors (0.9 lighting, 0.6 power, 0.85 HVAC) yielding 2,650kVA maximum demand at 0.85 PF. Recommends 2x1600kVA transformers with 30% future capacity.

Abu Dhabi Villa Compound

20-villa residential compound, each villa with 65kW connected load. Using ADDC residential demand factors (0.4-0.6), calculator determines 800kVA compound transformer plus individual villa DBs at 100A each. Includes EV charger provisions per Estidama requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

UAE utilities (DEWA, ADDC, SEWA) publish specific demand factors. Typical values: Residential 40-60%, Commercial offices 70-80%, Retail 80-90%, HVAC 80-100%. For mixed-use, apply diversity between different uses (typically 0.85-0.95). Always verify with the specific utility authority guidelines.

Calculate maximum demand in kVA (kW ÷ power factor), add 20-30% for future growth, then select next standard transformer size (500, 1000, 1500, 2000 kVA). For high-rises, multiple transformers improve reliability. Redundancy (for example N+1) is a design and client decision for critical facilities; check the utility's current requirements for your project.

Connected load is the sum of all installed equipment ratings (nameplate kW/kVA). Maximum demand is the actual peak load expected considering that not all equipment runs simultaneously. Demand factors (typically 0.4-0.9) convert connected load to maximum demand based on building type and usage patterns.

Take Your Calculations Further

This calculator reflects the logic built into Arkan's construction management platform.

Last Updated: January 2026

Standards Reference: IEC 60364, DEWA/ADDC/SEWA Regulations, BS 7671

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