How do demand factors for commercial applications differ from residential?

Demand factors for commercial applications are often more diversified compared to residential applications due to the variety of services and equipment used in commercial settings. In commercial environments, different types of equipment may operate at varying times and loads, leading to a more balanced overall demand.

For instance, while some equipment may have a high load at certain times, others may not be in use, creating a scenario where the peak demand is spread out rather than concentrated. This diversification tends to lower the overall peak demand factor used in load calculations for commercial systems.

In contrast, residential applications usually have a more consistent load profile with certain appliances, like heating and cooling systems, creating peak demands that are more predictable and often higher compared to the diversified demand in commercial settings. This is why understanding the specific demand characteristics of commercial versus residential applications is crucial for accurate load calculations.