In residential load calculations, what is considered a small appliance load?

In residential load calculations, a small appliance load refers to the specific power requirements for circuits designated to serve receptacles in kitchen and dining areas, which are used for small appliances. The National Electrical Code (NEC) specifies that for each designated small appliance circuit, a load of 1,500 watts should be considered. This standard ensures that there is adequate capacity to handle the simultaneous use of small kitchen appliances such as blenders, toasters, and microwave ovens, which can draw significant power when operating.

By using the 1,500 watts per circuit, designers can create a reasonable and safe load calculation for residential wiring, ensuring that the electrical system can support the demands of household operations. This figure is a crucial part of ensuring electrical safety and functionality within a home environment.