The short answer
The optional method for a dwelling (NEC 220.82; 120.82 in NEC 2026) adds the general lighting load per square foot, 1,500 VA for each small-appliance and laundry circuit and the nameplate of fixed appliances, takes the first part at 100% and the rest at 40%, then adds the larger of the air conditioning or heating load. NEC 2026 cut the lighting load from 3 to 2 VA per square foot and the first part from 10 to 8 kVA.
Step by step
- Multiply the floor area by 3 VA per square foot (2 VA in NEC 2026) for general lighting and receptacles.
- Add 1,500 VA for each small-appliance branch circuit and each laundry circuit.
- Add the nameplate rating of every fastened-in-place appliance: range, dryer, water heater, dishwasher and the like.
- Take the first 10 kVA of that total at 100% (8 kVA in NEC 2026) and the remainder at 40%.
- Add the larger of the air-conditioning load and the heating load (65% of the heat for fewer than four separately controlled units, 40% for four or more).
- Divide the total by the service voltage for amperes and compare it with the service rating.
Worked example
A 2,000 ft² house with two small-appliance circuits, one laundry circuit, a 12 kW range, a 5 kW dryer, a 4.5 kW water heater, a 1.2 kW dishwasher and 5 kVA of air conditioning, on a 240 V service, calculates to 101.2 A under 220.82 and 92.8 A under 120.82. Adding a 40 A EV charger brings it to 151.2 A and 132.8 A: the app adds an EV charger after the total, at 100% of its nameplate under 120.82 and, under the 2023 method, at 125% as a continuous load.
| Line | NEC 2023 (220.82) | NEC 2026 (120.82) |
|---|---|---|
| General lighting | 2,000 ft² × 3 VA | 2,000 ft² × 2 VA |
| General loads with circuits and appliances | 33,200 VA | 31,200 VA |
| First part at 100% | 10,000 VA | 8,000 VA |
| Remainder at 40% | 9,280 VA | 9,280 VA |
| Air conditioning | 5,000 VA | 5,000 VA |
| Total | 24,280 VA = 101.2 A | 22,280 VA = 92.8 A |
| With a 40 A EV charger | 151.2 A | 132.8 A |
Which states use the 2026 method
The 2026 method applies where NEC 2026 is current: Arkansas, Colorado, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, North Dakota, Oregon, Texas and Wyoming.
Common mistakes
- Using the optional method for something other than a single dwelling unit served by one 120/240 V or 208Y/120 V set of service or feeder conductors with an ampacity of 100 A or more.
- Leaving out an appliance because it is on its own circuit: every fastened-in-place appliance's nameplate goes in.
- Adding both the air conditioning and the heat: only the larger of the two is added.
Code numbers and editions
Article 220's load calculations are Article 120 in NEC 2026, so 220.82 is 120.82 there.
Code adoption cycles change. Always confirm the edition and amendments in force with your Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ) before permitting work.