1. What is a Whole House Wattage Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the total electrical load of a house by summing the wattage of all appliances.

Purpose: It helps homeowners and electricians determine the total power requirements for proper electrical system sizing.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( P_{total} \) — Total wattage (watts)
• \( P_{appliance} \) — Wattage of each individual appliance (watts)

Explanation: The calculator sums the wattage of all appliances entered to determine the total electrical load.

3. Importance of Wattage Calculation

Details: Proper wattage estimation ensures your electrical system can handle the load, prevents circuit overloads, and helps with generator sizing.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter comma-separated wattage values for all major appliances (e.g., "1500, 800, 1200"). Only positive numbers are accepted.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find appliance wattage?
A: Check appliance labels, manuals, or use a wattage meter. Common appliances: fridge (700W), microwave (1000W), AC (1500W).

Q2: Should I include all appliances?
A: Yes, include everything that uses electricity, especially high-wattage devices.

Q3: How does this relate to circuit breakers?
A: Total wattage helps determine if your electrical panel can handle the load (watts ÷ volts = amps).

Q4: What about devices that cycle on/off?
A: Use the rated wattage (peak consumption), not average usage.

Q5: Should I add a safety margin?
A: Yes, electricians typically add 20% to the calculated total for safety.