In service calculations for multi-family dwellings, additional demand factors must be applied to the neutral load greater than what?

In service calculations for multi-family dwellings, it is important to understand the role of demand factors in determining the neutral load. According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), when the calculated neutral load exceeds a certain threshold, additional demand factors need to be applied to account for the potential imbalance in the balanced loads typically found in multi-family units.

For neutral load calculations, when the neutral current exceeds 200 A, additional demand factors are required to ensure that the service is adequately sized for the expected load conditions. These additional demand factors are important in preventing problems such as overheating and ensuring safety, as they help in better approximating the actual usage of electrical loads during peak demand times.

The threshold of 200 A reflects a point where calculations change to accommodate larger electrical service setups often necessary in multi-family dwellings. As a result, appliances and equipment in these settings can lead to significant variations in current, and thus the appropriate demand factors must be applied to maintain operational safety and efficiency.