Practice Questions: Load Calculation
Real questions from our bank, all referenced to NEC 2026. Tap “Show explanation” after you answer.
Calculate the general lighting load for a dwelling with an area of 2,500 square feet.
- A6,250 VA
- B7,500 VA
- C8,750 VA
- D10,000 VA
Show explanation
Per NEC 2023 Section 220.41, the minimum unit load for dwelling units is 3 VA per square foot (general lighting plus general-use receptacles). Calculation: 2,500 sq ft × 3 VA/ft² = 7,500 VA.
What is the general lighting load for an office building with 4,200 square feet per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A)?
- A4,200 VA
- B5,460 VA
- C6,720 VA
- D8,400 VA
Show explanation
Per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A), the unit load for offices is 1.3 VA/ft² (this value already includes the 125% continuous-load multiplier per the table footnote). Calculation: 4,200 sq ft × 1.3 VA/ft² = 5,460 VA.
Calculate the lighting load for a retail store with 3,500 square feet of floor area per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A).
- A5,250 VA
- B6,650 VA
- C7,000 VA
- D8,750 VA
Show explanation
Per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A), the unit load for retail occupancies is 1.9 VA/ft² (inclusive of the 125% continuous-load multiplier). Calculation: 3,500 sq ft × 1.9 VA/ft² = 6,650 VA.
What is the general lighting load for a warehouse with 8,000 square feet per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A)?
- A8,000 VA
- B9,600 VA
- C11,200 VA
- D12,800 VA
Show explanation
Per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A), the unit load for warehouses is 1.2 VA/ft² (inclusive of the 125% continuous-load multiplier). Calculation: 8,000 sq ft × 1.2 VA/ft² = 9,600 VA.
Calculate the lighting load for a restaurant with a floor area of 2,800 square feet.
- A4,200 VA
- B5,600 VA
- C7,000 VA
- D8,400 VA
Show explanation
Per NEC 2023 Table 220.42(A), the unit load for restaurants is 1.5 VA/ft² (inclusive of the 125% continuous-load multiplier). Calculation: 2,800 sq ft × 1.5 VA/ft² = 4,200 VA.
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