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Permit Load Calculation Submittal

A bare “200 A service” answer gives the reviewer nothing to check. A submittal that survives first contact shows floor area, allowances, nameplates, demand factors, HVAC selection and the edition used.
Code basis
220.82 / 220.83
Goal
Reviewable arithmetic
Must name
Edition and jurisdiction
Avoid
Bare amp answer only

The Procedure

5 steps, in the order the code applies them.

  1. Step 1

    State edition and address

    Name the NEC edition adopted by the AHJ and the project address so the reviewer knows which rules you used.

  2. Step 2

    Show floor area and circuit allowances

    List general lighting area basis plus small-appliance and laundry circuit allowances as separate lines.

  3. Step 3

    Itemize appliances and EVSE

    Include nameplate values and the EVSE treatment used. Hidden round numbers are where reviews stall.

  4. Step 4

    Show demand factors and HVAC selection

    Leave the demand-factor arithmetic visible, and show which heating or cooling item was carried forward.

  5. Step 5

    Convert to amperes and requested service size

    End with VA, amperes at service voltage, and the standard service size you are requesting.

Show the arithmetic

A submittal should show floor area, branch-circuit allowances, appliance nameplates, EVSE treatment, demand factors and the selected heating or cooling item.

A bare service-size answer gives the reviewer no way to find the input that governed the result.

Use the AHJ edition

The permit packet should name the edition and jurisdiction used. Local forms may ask for fields that a national calculator cannot know.

Print or export the line-item calculation with the project address so the review trail stays attached to the job.

Decision Guide

The choices that change the answer, and how to make them.

  • Match the local form when one exists

    Some jurisdictions publish a worksheet. Mirror its line order even if your internal calculator uses a different layout.

  • Keep inputs editable

    Reviewers ask what-if questions. A calculation you cannot adjust in five minutes becomes a delay.

  • Separate branch-circuit sheets from service calc

    EVSE or range branch-circuit worksheets support the install but are not a substitute for the dwelling service calculation.

FAQs

What should a permit load calculation include?
Edition, floor area basis, circuit allowances, appliance and EVSE nameplates, demand factors, HVAC selection, total VA, amperes and the requested service size.
Why do inspectors reject a one-line service size?
Because they cannot see which input governed the result. Without line items, they cannot verify floor area, EVSE treatment or HVAC selection.
Should I submit optional and standard method both?
Only if the AHJ asks for both or you are demonstrating which method you chose. Otherwise submit one complete method cleanly.

Calculated against the NEC 2023 edition using 220.82, 220.83, 230.79(C). Confirm the edition adopted by your AHJ, which may differ and may carry local amendments.

Not covered by this tool

  • Motor, air-conditioning and welder circuits, which are sized under their own articles.
  • Conductors in free air and photovoltaic circuits.
  • Parallel conductor sets, taps and busbars.
  • Local amendments, which can be stricter than the published code.

Data last verified