After computing all lighting, receptacle, and equipment loads, how should the total load be determined?

The total load of lighting, receptacle, and equipment should be determined by simply adding them together because this method takes into account the actual demand of each individual load in order to arrive at the total load that will be placed on the electrical system. Each load contributes to the overall demand, and summing them provides a comprehensive view of the total current that will flow through the circuits.

In practical applications, this straightforward approach ensures that the total load calculation accurately represents the cumulative effect of all connected devices. It is critical for ensuring that circuit breakers and wiring can handle the total load without the risk of overload.

Using a formula could imply a more complex calculation that might not accurately reflect the basic summation of loads. Averaging loads would not provide the actual total but rather an estimated or representative value, which is not suitable for precise electrical load calculations. Multiplying by the number of circuits could lead to misunderstandings regarding how loads are distributed across different circuits, particularly when some circuits may not be fully loaded. Thus, direct addition is the best practice for determining total load in an electrical system.