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Dwelling load calculationsJourneymanMasterResidential wiremanNEC 2026

Dwelling optional method (2026 NEC 120.82)

Short answer

The optional method adds every general load at nameplate (2 VA/ft² lighting, 1,500 VA per small-appliance and laundry circuit, range, dryer, water heater and other appliances), takes the first 8 kVA at 100% and the rest at 40%, then adds the heat or AC load from 120.82(C) and any EV charger at 100%.

Updated Original problems, new numbers every time

Live practice

Practice: dwelling optional load calculation

Each problem uses new numbers, so you practice the method rather than memorizing an answer.

Formula

General (VA) = 8,000 + 40% × (2 VA × ft² + 1,500 × circuits + nameplates − 8,000)
Total (VA) = General + Largest heat or AC choice + EVSE at 100%
Service (A) = Total (VA) ÷ 240 V
SymbolMeaningUnit
AFloor area from the outside dimensionsft²
GeneralLighting, small-appliance, laundry and appliance loads after 8 kVA + 40%VA
TotalCalculated service loadVA

Worked example

A one-family dwelling of 3,850 ft² (outside dimensions) has a 120/240 V service of 100 A or more, two small-appliance circuits and one laundry circuit. Its appliances are a range rated 11.0 kW, a dryer rated 4,500 W, a water heater rated 4,500 W, a dishwasher rated 1,200 VA and a disposal rated 1,200 VA. Using the optional method of 120.82, what is the demand load of the general loads (everything except heat, AC and EV charging)?

  1. General lighting at 2 VA/ft² (120.82(B)): 3,850 × 2 = 7,700 VA.
  2. Small-appliance and laundry circuits: 3 × 1,500 = 4,500 VA.
  3. Appliances at nameplate (no 5,000 W minimum and no Column C in this method): 11,000 + 4,500 + 4,500 + 1,200 + 1,200 = 22,400 VA.
  4. General loads: 7,700 + 4,500 + 22,400 = 34,600 VA.
  5. First 8,000 VA at 100%, the remaining 26,600 VA at 40% (120.82(B)): 8,000 + 10,640 = 18,640 VA.

Answer: 18,640 VA

Dwelling optional load calculation, explained

The optional method in 120.82 is a shortcut for one dwelling served by a single 120/240 V or 208Y/120 V 3-wire service or feeder of 100 A or more. It usually gives a smaller load than the standard method. On the Texas exam use it only when the question asks for the optional method, because PSI tells candidates not to use optional methods unless told to.

Open 120.82(B) and list the general loads: 2 VA/ft² for lighting and general-use receptacles, 1,500 VA for each small-appliance and laundry circuit, and the nameplate of every appliance, including the range, dryer and water heater. There is no Table 120.55 and no 5,000 W dryer minimum in this method. Take the first 8 kVA at 100% and the rest at 40%.

Two numbers changed in 2026, and both catch students who learned on the 2023 code. The lighting load dropped from 3 to 2 VA/ft², and the first tier dropped from 10 kVA to 8 kVA. A new 120.82(D) also adds EV charging at 100% of the nameplate instead of letting it into the 40% group.

Then add the heating or cooling from 120.82(C). Air conditioning and a heat pump without supplemental heat count at 100%. Electric space heat in fewer than four separately controlled units counts at 65%, and 40% for four or more. Use the largest choice. Divide the total by 240 V for the service amperes.

How to solve it on the exam

  1. Check the question asks for the optional method (120.82). If not, use the standard method.
  2. Add 2 VA/ft², 1,500 VA per small-appliance and laundry circuit, and the nameplate of every appliance except heat, AC and EVSE.
  3. Take the first 8,000 VA at 100% and the rest at 40% (120.82(B)).
  4. Add the largest heat or AC choice from 120.82(C), and any EVSE at 100% of nameplate (120.82(D)).
  5. Divide by 240 V for the service current.

Common mistakes

  • Using the 2023 first tier of 10 kVA. In 2026 only the first 8 kVA is at 100%.
  • Using 3 VA/ft² for lighting. The 2026 optional method uses 2 VA/ft².
  • Putting the EV charger in the 40% group. In 2026 it is added at 100% of nameplate (120.82(D)).
  • Using 8 kW from Table 120.55 for the range or 5,000 W for the dryer. The optional method uses nameplates.
  • Using the optional method when the question does not ask for it.

Exam tips

  • If two answer choices differ by about 800 VA, the question is probably testing 8 kVA versus the old 10 kVA tier: 40% of the 2,000 VA difference is 800 VA.
  • Tab 120.82 in your 2026 book. (B), (C) and (D) fit on one or two pages, so you can read the heat and AC list during the exam instead of memorizing it.
Calculator

Dwelling optional load calculation calculator

Result–

    Questions people ask

    What changed in the 2026 NEC optional dwelling calculation?

    The first tier at 100% is now 8 kVA instead of 10 kVA, the lighting load is 2 VA/ft² instead of 3, and EV charging is added at 100% of nameplate under the new 120.82(D).

    Can I use the optional method on the Texas exam?

    Only when the question says to. The PSI bulletin tells candidates not to use optional calculation methods unless the question asks for them.

    Do I use Table 120.55 for the range in the optional method?

    No. The optional method uses the range nameplate rating, and the dryer nameplate even if it is under 5,000 W.

    Where is the dwelling optional method in the 2026 NEC?

    Section 120.82, in Article 120, Part IV. In the 2023 NEC it was 220.82.

    Sources

    About the tables: The exam is open book. These problems cite the 2026 NEC section and table so you practice finding them in your own book. We never print NEC text or tables.