Electrical

System Design:
Branch Circuits
SOURCE LOAD
SIDE SIDE
service
entrance Lighting branch
Panelboard circuits
Distribution
Panel
Main branch
Panelboard
Distribution circuits
Panel sub-
feeders
branch
Lighting circuits
feeders Distribution Panelboard
Panel

branch
This diagram is a single-line diagram circuit
used for power flow analysis 2
 Design Flow
SOURCE LOAD
SIDE SIDE
service
entrance Lighting branch
Panelboard circuits
Distribution
Panel
Main branch
Panelboard
Distribution circuits
Panel sub-
feeders
branch
Lighting circuits
feeders Distribution Panelboard
Panel

branch
circuit
3
 Design Process
2 4
• Loads • Branch • Feeders
• Outlets Circuits • Panel
• Switches Boards
1 3 5

7
• Service • Grounding
• Conduits
• Other Devices
6 8
4
 Design Process

2 4
• Loads •  Branch • Feeders
• Outlets Circuits • Panel
• Switches Boards
1 3 5

7
• Service • Grounding
• Conduits
• Other Devices
6 8
5
Branch circuits
•  De(ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcurrent protection for a branch circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

6
Branch circuits
•  De#ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcorrect protection for a branch circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

7
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

BRANCH CIRCUIT
“A branch circuit is any
segment of a wiring system
extending beyond the #inal
automatic overcurrent
protective device that is
approved for use as branch
circuit protection.”
8
*automatic – does not need human intervention to act
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

BRANCH CIRCUIT
RATING
“A branch circuit is rated
according to the setting or
rating of the overcurrent device
used to protect the circuit.”

9
rating – the minimum current with which the protective
device will actuate
Branch circuits
•  De(ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcorrect protection for a branch circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

10
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

IDENTIFICATION OF
CONDUCTORS
Neutral/Grounded Conductor (N)
– White, gray, or any color except
green with three white stripes

Grounding Conductor (G) – (not

part of a branch circuit) Bare,
green, or green with yellow stripes

Ungrounded Conductor (L)– Any

11
other color, usually red, black, or
blue
Branch circuits
•  De(ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcurrent protection for a branch
circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

12
BRANCH CIRCUIT OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION 13
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
FUSE

I
If I ≥ fuse ra=ng, fuse
filament melts. Fuse must
be replaced aDerwards.

14
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
CIRCUIT BREAKER (CB)

I
If I ≥ CB ra=ng, CB opens the circuit.
CBs can also be used to manually
open or close the circuit.

15
SOURCE SIDE
L Overcurrent
Device
N

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 16
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE Prohibited in neutral conductor
L

N
✗
Overcurrent
Device

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 17
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE
L

N ✔
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 18
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE Will not open simultaneously
L

N ✗
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 19
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE Prohibited in neutral conductors
L

N
✗
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 20
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE
L

N ✔
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 21
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE Will not open simultaneously
L

N
✗
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 22
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
SOURCE SIDE Ganged CBs – will simultaneously open
L

N
✔
G

OVERCURRENT
PROTECTION
RATING ≤ CURRENT-CARRYING CAPACITY
OF BRANCH CIRCUIT CONDUCTORS
1. Readily accessible – can be reached
without aid of ladders and tools and
without overcoming obstacles.
2. Required for each ungrounded
conductor.
3. Prohibited in neutral conductors 23
except when it opens the ungrounded
and neutral conductors simultaneously.
Overcurrent Protec=on
VI. Branch Circuit Overcurrent Protection

1. General Rule
–The rating or setting of an overcurrent device in any
branch circuit must not exceed the current-carrying
capacity of the circuit conductors.
•  If the device rating is greater than the capacity of the
conductors, the conductors will burn before the device
can actuate.
24
Overcurrent Protec=on
2. Speci(ic Rules
1.  An overcurrent device must be placed at the supply end of
each ungrounded conductor of the circuit to be protected.
2.  An overcurrent device must NOT be placed in a
permanently-grounded conductor, except where the device
simultaneously opens all conductors of the circuit.
3.  Where the device protecting a conductor has a rating or
setting that also provides protection for smaller conductors,
there is no need to provide protection at the point where the
smaller conductors are tapped from the larger conductor.
4.  Non-motor-operated appliance branch circuit protective
devices shall not exceed 150% of the appliance rating.
5.  Overcurrent devices must be located such that they are 25
readily accessible.

Branch circuits
•  De(ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcorrect protection for a branch circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

26
 Sub-feeder Branch
Circuits
Why distribute loads
among branch
circuits?
•  Reliability
•  Differing load requirements
•  StandardizaCon Panel Board –
contains
•  ReducCon of wire size devices for
overcurrent
27
protection
BRANCH CIRCUIT REQUIREMENTS
28
 Allowable BC
Type of BC Permissible Loads
Rating (A)
Individual Any Any
(serving one
outlet)
–General-purpose lighting load
15 or 20 –Rating of any one Cord-and-plug attached
equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC Rating)
–If supplying other loads, total rating of
equipment fastened in place (not including
luminaries) ≤ 0.5 (BC Rating)
Multi-outlet
–Luminaries with heavy-duty lamp holders not
- Serving
30 in dwelling units
multiple
–Cord-and-plug attached equipment ≤ 0.8 (BC
outlets
Rating)
40 or 50 –Cooking appliances fastened in place.
–luminaries with heavy-duty lamp holders not in
29
dwelling units, infrared heating units, etc.

>50 Non-lighting outlets

Branch circuits
•  De(ine branch circuits
•  Identify the conductors in a branch circuit
•  Select overcorrect protection for a branch circuit
•  Understand why branch circuits are used
•  Select type and size of conductors for a
branch circuit
•  Distribute loads among branch circuits

30
 Maximum load of Branch Circuits

BC Rating ≥ Non-continuous load + 1.25*(Continuous load)

The conductor size is derated so that its size can carry

100% of the continuous load, with an allowance of 25%
à so the wires are not stressed or will not heat up
during long periods of operation

31
Continuous load – maximum current (RMS) is expected
to continue for 3 hrs.
 Maximum Rating of Individual BC

If appliance is non-motor operated:

BC rating ≤ 1.5*(appliance rating)

32
 Selection of Conductors/Wires
General Rule:
Branch circuit conductors shall have an ampacity of
not less than the rating of the branch circuit and
not less than the load to be served.

*ampacity – current that a conductor can carry continuously

under speci(ic conditions of use without exceeding its
temperature rating.
Conditions:
Ambient temp.
Presence of neighboring conductors 33
Surrounding materials/enclosures

 Selection of Conductors
ü Insulation: The type of insulation of conductors must be
suited to the desired operation (e.g. damp, hot, conduit,
enclosed, etc.).

ü Temperature: Where ambient temperature exceeds 30°C,

the ampacities of the conductors shall be derated according
to correction factors given at the bottom of each of the
ampacity tables (Tables 3.10.1.16 to 3.10.1.21).
ü Neighboring conductors and enclosure: Where more
than three (3) conductors are used in a raceway or cable,
the conductor ampacities must be derated from the
ampacity values to compensate for increased heating due to
reduced ventilation of an enclosed group of closely-spaced
conductors (see Note No.8).

ü Voltage drop: A 1% to 2% voltage drop is recommended 34

for branch circuit conductors.
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16
Table 3.10.1.6 Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors
Rated 0 - 2000 Volts, 60º to 90º C

Not More Then Three Conductors in Raceway or Cable or Earth

(Directly Based), Based on Ambient Temperature of 30º C

Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.13 Size

60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW, RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm 2 UF RUH, AVB, UF THW, AVB, mm 2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW, †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, USE †THHN,
USE, †RHH, †XHHW*
ZW †THHN,
†XHHW*

35
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16
ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
COPPER
ALUMINUM
2.0(1.6) 15 15 25 25 …. …. …. …. ….
3.5(2.0) 20 20 30 30 15 15 25 25 3.5(2.0)
5.5(2.6) 30 30 40 40 25 25 30 30 5.5(2.6)
8.0(3.2) 40 45 50 50 30 40 40 40 8.0(3.2)
14 55 65 70 70 40 50 55 55 14
22 70 85 90 90 55 65 70 70 22
30 90 110 115 115 70 85 90 90 30
38 100 125 130 130 80 95 100 100 38
50 120 145 150 150 95 115 120 120 50
60 135 160 170 170 105 125 135 135 60
80 160 195 205 205 125 150 160 160 80
100 185 220 225 225 145 170 180 180 100
125 210 255 265 265 170 200 210 210 125
150 240 280 295 295 190 230 240 240 150
200 280 330 355 355 225 270 290 290 200
250 315 375 400 400 260 305 330 330 250
325 370 435 470 470 295 355 380 380 325
400 405 485 515 515 330 395 420 420 400
500 445 540 580 580 370 440 475 475 500

36
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.16
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.13 Size
60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW, RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 UF RUH, AVB, UF THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW, †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, USE †THHN,
USE, †RHH, †XHHW*
ZW †THHN,
†XHHW*
COPPER ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
ALUMINUM
CORRECTION FACTORS
Ambient For ambient temperature over 30º C, multiply the ampacities Ambient
Temp. ºC shown above by the appropriate correction factor to determine Temp. ºC
31-40 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 31-40
41-50 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 41-50
51-60 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 51-60
61-70 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 61-70
71-80 …. …. 0.30 0.41 …. …. 0.30 0.41 71-80

† The load current rating and the overcurrent protection for these conductors shall not exceed 15 amperes 37
for 2 mm2 (1.6 mm. dia.) 20 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. dia.), and 30 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.)
copper; or 15 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. dia.) and 25 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) aluminum and
copper-clad aluminum.
* For dry locations only. See 75º C column for wet locations.
 Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
Table 3.10.1.17 Allowable Ampacities of Insulated Conductors
Rated 0 - 2000 Volts, 60º to 90º C

Single Conductor in Free Air, Based on Ambient Temperature of 30º C

Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.3 Size

60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 RUH, AVB, THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, †THHN,
ZW †RHH, †XHHW* 38
†THHN,
†XHHW*
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
ALUMINUM OR COPPER-
COPPER
CLAD ALUMINUM
2.0(1.6) 20 20 30 30 …. …. …. …. ….
3.5(2.0) 30 30 40 40 20 20 30 30 3.5(2.0)
5.5(2.6) 40 45 55 55 30 30 45 45 5.5(2.6)
8.0(3.2) 55 60 70 70 45 50 55 55 8.0(3.2)
14 80 95 105 105 60 75 80 80 14
22 105 130 140 140 80 100 110 110 22
30 130 160 170 170 100 125 130 130 30
38 155 185 195 195 120 145 155 155 38
50 180 220 235 235 145 170 180 180 50
60 205 250 260 260 160 195 205 205 60
80 250 300 320 320 195 230 245 245 80
100 290 355 370 370 220 270 285 285 100
125 335 400 420 420 260 310 325 325 125
150 375 440 475 475 290 350 370 370 150
200 440 540 570 570 350 420 445 445 200
250 505 620 655 655 400 480 510 510 250 39
325 600 720 770 770 475 570 610 610 325
400 675 810 875 875 535 645 695 695 400
500 770 930 995 995 620 745 795 795 500
Conductors - Table 3.10.1.17
Size Temperature Rating of Conductor. See Table 3.10.1.17 Size
60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C 60º C 75º C 85º C 90º C
Types Types Types Types Types Types Types Types
RUW, FEPW, V, TA, RUW, RH, V, TA,
T, RH, MI TBS, T, RHW, MI TBS,
TW RHW, SA, TW, RUH, SA,
mm2 RUH, AVB, THW, AVB, mm2
(mm. dia.) THW, SIS, THWN, SIS, (mm. dia.)
THWN, †FEP, XHHW †RHH,
XHHW, †FEPB, †THHN,
ZW †RHH, †XHHW*
†THHN,
†XHHW*
ALUMINUM OR COPPER-CLAD
COPPER
ALUMINUM
CORRECTION FACTORS
Ambient For ambient temperature over 30º C, multiply the ampacities Ambient
Temp. ºC shown above by the appropriate correction factor to determine Temp. ºC
31-40 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 0.82 0.88 0.90 0.91 31-40
41-50 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 0.58 0.75 0.80 0.82 41-50
51-60 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 …. 0.58 0.67 0.71 51-60
61-70 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 …. 0.35 0.52 0.58 61-70
71-80 …. …. 0.30 0.41 …. …. 0.30 0.41 71-80

† The load current rating and the overcurrent protection for these conductors shall
not exceed 20 amperes for 2 mm2 (1.6 mm. dia.), 25 amperes for 3.5 mm2 (2.0 mm. 40
dia.), and 40 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) copper; or 20 amperes for 3.5 mm2
(2.0 mm. dia.) and 30 amperes for 5.5 mm2 (2.6 mm. dia.) aluminum and copper-
clad aluminum.
Notes to tables 3.10.1.6 through 3.10.1.13

More than 3 Conductors in a raceway or cable. Where the number
of conductors in a raceway or cable exceeds 3, the maximum
allowable load current of each conductor shall be reduced as shown
in the following table
Percent of Values in
Number of
Tables 5.3.2.4 and
Conductors
5.3.2.6

4 thru 6 80

7 thru 24 70

25 thru 42 60

43 and above 50

Where single conductors of multi-conductor cables are stacked or
bundled without maintaining spacing and are not installed in
raceways, the maximum allowable load current of each conductor 41
shall be reduced as shown in the above table.
Conductors
Exceptions
a. When conductors of different systems, as provided in
Section 3.0.1.3, are installed in a common raceway, the
derating factors shown above shall apply to the number
of power and lighting conductors only (Articles 2.10, 2.15,
2.20 and 2.30).
b. The derating factors of Sections 3.1.2.4(c), 3.3.1.2(a) and
3.3.2.1(b) shall not apply when the above derating factors
are also required.
c. For conductors installed in cable trays, the provisions of
Section 3.18.1.11 shall apply.

42
BRANCH CIRCUIT CALCULATIONS
43
Required Branch Circuits

•  In dwelling units, at least one (1):

•  20-A Small-appliance BC(one per kitchen)
•  20-A Bathroom BC (for equipment in bathroom)
•  20-A Laundry BC

44
Required Branch Circuits
§  For a dwelling unit with (loor area not more
than 50sqm., it shall be permitted to have only
one 20-A BC provided that the total load shall
not exceed 3680 VA.
Assuming BC rating is 20 A (derated)
à Actual total load = (BC rating)/1.25
= 20A/1.25 = 16A
o  Default voltage to be used is 230V

à Total VA = (16A)(230V) = 3,680 VA
45
 Grouping of Outlets
Small-Appliance BC (kitchen, etc.) Bathroom BC

May include:
outlets not in the bathroom
•  receptacle outlets,
may not be included
•  countertops, and
•  refrigerator Individual BC (i.e., for high-
•  no other except outlets for power appliances)
clock and a supplementary
equipment Other BC

Laundry BC Depending on the BC rating

allowed for speci(ic loads;
other outlets NOT for laundry designers’ way & the rules
may NOT be included of thumb
46
Determining the No. of
Branch Circuits
•  Step 1: List down groups of similar branch
circuits and their ratings.
•  E.g. lighting bc, receptacle bc, small-
appliance bc, individual bc
•  Step 2: Do load calculation for each group
•  Step 3: Determine the number of branch
circuits per group based on the BC ratings,
allowances, and the load to be served
47
Calcula=on of branch circuit loads

1. Lighting and Receptacle Branch Circuits
for General Illumination

–Pick the rating that is larger between the two:

•  VA/sqm of listed occupancies (Table
2.20.1.3(a))
•  Actual load (light and load VA), if known
–Branch circuit rating: 15 or 20 A
48
 Table 2.20.1.3(a) General Lighting Loads by Occupancies

Type of Occupancy Unit Load per Sq. M. (VA/m 2)

Armories and Auditoriums 8
Banks 28**
Barber Shops and Beauty Parlors 24
Churches 8
Clubs 16
Court Rooms 16
*Dwelling Units 24
Garages-Commercial (storage) 4
Hospitals 16
*Hotels and Motels, including apartment
16
houses without provisions for cooking by tenants
Industrial Commercial (Loft) Buildings 16
Lodge Rooms 12
Office Buildings 28**
Restaurants 16
Schools 24
Stores 24
Warehouses (storage) 2
' In any of the above occupancies except one -
family dwelling and individual dwelling units of two-
family and of multifamily dwellings: 49
Assembly Halls and Auditoriums 8
Halls, Corridors, Closets, Stairways 4
Storage Spaces 2
 Calcula=on of branch circuit loads
Notes:
•  All receptacle outlets of rating 20 A or less in one-family,
two-family and multifamily dwellings and guest rooms of
hotels and motels except those connected to the receptacle
circuits speci(ied in Section 2.20.1.3(b) shall be considered
outlets for general illumination.

No additional load calculations shall be required for such
outlets. … but you may do calculations.

*Lighting loads in 2.20.1.3(a) include:

•  all general-use receptacles rated 20-A or less including receptacles
connected to the circuits in (2.10.1.11.c.3.) bathroom branch circuits
•  receptacle outlets in 2.10.3.3(e) – (g). outdoor outlets, laundry areas, 50
basements and garages
•  lighting outlets in (2.10.3.21.a - b) dwelling units and guest rooms
 Calcula=on of branch circuit loads
2.  Heavy-duty Lamp-holders in Fixed Lighting Units
Larger of:
- 600 volt-amperes per unit (sec2.20.1.3(b))
or
- Actual load, if known
Branch Circuit Rating: 30, 40, or 50 A

3.  General Receptacles
- 180 volt-amperes per receptacle (sec2.20.1.3(b))
Branch Circuit Rating: 15 or 20 A

Note: A unit load of 8 VA/sqm. shall be included for general
purpose receptacle outlets when the actual number of 51
general purpose receptacle outlets is unknown.
 Calcula=on of branch circuit loads

4.  Show Window Illumination
Larger of:
- 600 volt-amperes per linear meter (sec 2.20.1.3(c)
except .3), or
- Actual load, if known
Branch Circuit Rating: depends on type of
lamp-holder

52
Calcula=on of branch circuit loads
5.  Specific Appliance
- Ampere rating of appliance
Branch Circuit Rating: depends of full-load current
(FLC) of appliance

6.  Small Appliance for Dwelling Unit (sec 2.20.2.7(a))

- Branch Circuit Rating: 20 A

53
Calcula=on of branch circuit loads
7.  Laundry Loads for Dwelling Unit
Branch Circuit Rating: 20 A

8.  Electric Ranges and Cooking Equipment
- Ampere rating of equipment
Branch Circuit Rating: 40 or 50 A

9.  Motor Loads
-Motor VA: 1.25 * Motor FLC*230V
Branch Circuit Rating: Any
54


Calcula=on of branch circuit loads

Minimum number of branch circuits (sec 2.10.1.11(a))

No. of BCs = Total computed load (in VA) per B.C. group
(B.C. Rating, Amperes) x (230V)

55
Example 1:
Determine the minimum number of branch circuits
required for an of(ice building with the following lighting
and receptacle loads:

a. Floor area of 30 meters by 60 meters
b. 800 75-W general-purpose lighting
c. Special lighting load of 100 (luorescent lighting
(ixtures; each unit draws 2.5 amperes
d. 100 duplex receptacles

Use 20-Amp Branch Circuits
56
Solution:

a. General Illumination

Larger of:
–Using table of VA/sqm.:
30m x 60m x 28 VA/sq.m. x 1.25 = 63,000 VA
OR
–Using actual load data:
800 units x 75 VA/unit x 1.25 = 75,000 VA

No. of B.C. = 75,000VA
(20A) (230V)
= 16.3 or ~17 branch circuits

therefore, use 17 B.C.s (minimum) 57
or 800 UNITS/17 = ~46 outlets per BC (max)
 b. Special Lighting Load

-100 units x 2.5 A/unit x 230 V x 1.25
= 71,875 VA
No. of B.C. = 71,875 = 16 B.C.
230 x 20 (minimum)
c. General Receptacles
- 100 receptacles x 2 outlets/receptacle
- 200 outlets x 180 VA/unit x 1.25 = 45,000 VA

No. of B.C. = 36,000 x 1.25 = 10 B.C.
230 x 20 (minimum) 58

Example 2:
Single Family Dwelling Unit: (30 deg. Celsius ambient)
The dwelling has a (loor area of 240 m2. It has the typical
household appliances including one 10-kW electric range, two 1-
Hp room air-conditioning unit, one 1.5 Hp room air-conditioning
unit, and one 1-Hp water pump. For this unit, determine the
minimum number of branch circuits and the size of THW
conductors to be used considering that:
•  20-ampere BC will be used as much as possible.
•  At least two 20-ampere BCs will be provided for general
illumination.
•  Individual BCs will supply power to the range, air-conditioning
units, and water pump.
•  The unit has one kitchen with a countertop.
•  The unit has laundry appliances. 59
•  There are no receptacle outlets in any bathroom.