Quick Hits

⚡ Quick Hit: Small Appliances & Laundry — The 1,500 VA Rule

Article 120 — Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations

Episode 12

🔌 THE QUICK HIT

Two common dwelling-unit branch-circuit requirements get the same minimum load treatment:

Small-appliance circuits + laundry circuit = 1,500 VA each

Let's break it down.

🏠 120.52(A) — Small-Appliance Circuit Load

Each 2-wire small-appliance branch circuit required by 210.11(C)(1) is calculated at:

1,500 VA MINIMUM PER CIRCUIT

If multiple small-appliance circuits are supplied from different feeders, each circuit still contributes at least 1,500 VA to the calculation.

💡 Demand Factors

These loads can be included with the general lighting load.

When included with the general lighting load, the applicable Table 120.45 demand factors can then apply.

🧺 120.52(B) — Laundry Circuit Load

The required laundry branch circuit under 210.11(C)(2) is also calculated at:

1,500 VA MINIMUM

Like the small-appliance circuits, the laundry load can be included with the general lighting load and subjected to the applicable Table 120.45 demand factors.

⚠️ Exception

The individual branch circuit permitted by 210.52(B)(1) Exception No. 2 does not have to be included in this calculation.

🎯 TEST YOURSELF

A dwelling has:

2 small-appliance branch circuits

1 laundry branch circuit

Per 120.52, what is the minimum VA that must be included for all three circuits combined, before any demand factors?

A) 3,000 VA

B) 4,500 VA

C) 1,500 VA

D) 6,000 VA

👇 What's your answer?

🧮 SHOW YOUR MATH

2 × 1,500 VA = 3,000 VA

1 × 1,500 VA = 1,500 VA

3,000 + 1,500 = 4,500 VA

✅ ANSWER

B) 4,500 VA

Before any applicable demand factors are applied, the three required circuits contribute a combined minimum load of:

⚡ 4,500 VA

📚 KEEP EXPLORING

More from Article 120

← Back to Article 120 Quick Hits

Related Quick Hits

→ Not All Lighting Gets Treated Equally: Demand Factors

→ Understanding Load Calculations

→ The Rules Behind Every Load Calculation

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⚠️ EDUCATIONAL NOTICE

This Quick Hit is an educational explanation based on the author's understanding of the NEC. It is not a substitute for the official NEC, applicable local amendments, manufacturer instructions, or the determination of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Always verify the requirements applicable to your specific installation.

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