A farm has three buildings with independent loads of 82A, 65A, and 15A. What is the total demand load?

To calculate the total demand load for the three buildings, you need to consider how the loads interact. When determining the total demand load for buildings with independent loads, it’s common to use a demand factor, especially if the loads are not all expected to operate simultaneously at their full capacity.

In this case, the individual loads of the three buildings are:

• Building 1: 82A

• Building 2: 65A

• Building 3: 15A

By simply adding these current values together, you get:

82A + 65A + 15A = 162A

However, according to demand calculations in the National Electrical Code (NEC), it's typical to apply demand factors when sizing conductors and services. These demand factors reflect that not all devices will be used at their maximum capacity simultaneously.

In a specific scenario, if you assume a certain percentage or combination of the maximum load can be used concurrently or that lower demand factors apply, this can lower the total demand load.

A reasonable assumption with this load distribution might reflect that not all maximum loads will be drawn at the same time. This results in the application of demand factors that could lead to a calculation reflecting a total demand load of 117