How does the interconnectedness of devices affect load calculations?

The interconnectedness of devices significantly impacts load calculations because it can result in oversizing or undersizing circuits. When multiple devices are interconnected, their load contributions can either add up or interact in ways that are not immediately obvious. This interaction must be accounted for to ensure that circuits are neither undersized, which can lead to overheating and potential safety hazards, nor oversize, which can result in wasted resources and increased costs.

In practical terms, interconnected devices may experience simultaneous operation, or they might be used intermittently at different times. If there's insufficient consideration of these factors during load calculations, it’s possible to end up with an inaccurate load demand prediction. Accurately calculating the total load demand requires a clear understanding of how devices interact and the conditions under which they will be operating, which directly influences the design of the electrical system.

While interconnectedness might, in some instances, simplify calculations if using specific methodologies that allow for aggregation, this is not the primary concern raised in the question. Rather, ensuring that the right capacity is allocated based on actual expected use is essential, making the potential for oversizing or undersizing circuits the focal point of the impact.