1. What is a Lighting Load Calculator?

Definition: This calculator computes the total electrical load from lighting fixtures by summing individual wattages.

Purpose: Helps electricians, engineers, and homeowners determine total power consumption for lighting circuits.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{total} \) — Total lighting load (watts)
• \( P_{light} \) — Wattage of each individual light (watts)

Explanation: Simply add up the wattage of all lights in the circuit to get the total load.

3. Importance of Lighting Load Calculation

Details: Proper load calculation ensures circuit breakers aren't overloaded, prevents electrical fires, and helps with energy planning.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter wattage for each light (minimum 1 required). Leave unused fields blank. All values must be ≥ 0.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What if I have more than 4 lights?
A: Calculate groups of 4 separately and sum the totals, or modify the code to accept more inputs.

Q2: Should I use rated wattage or actual consumption?
A: For circuit sizing, use rated wattage. For energy calculations, use actual measured consumption.

Q3: How do I find a light's wattage?
A: Check the bulb/base label or manufacturer specifications. LED lights often show "equivalent wattage."

Q4: Does this include ballast/driver losses?
A: No, for fluorescent/HID lights, add 10-20% to account for ballast losses.

Q5: What's typical for residential lighting circuits?
A: Most homes use 15-amp circuits (1800W max), so keep total load below 1440W (80% of capacity).