For two electric ranges rated at 8 KVA each, how should the total load be sized?

In determining the total load for two electric ranges rated at 8 KVA each, the appropriate method follows the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines which allow for demand factors specific to household cooking appliances. When calculating the total demand for electric cooking equipment, the NEC specifies that for the first range, the full load is taken into account. However, for additional ranges or cooking devices, a demand factor can be applied, which provides a more accurate estimate of the expected load.

For the first range, you take the full 8 KVA. For the second range, the NEC allows for a reduction in the total load when sizing. The common practice is to apply a demand factor that typically leads to an effective load of about 0.75 for additional units. When the second range is considered with this demand factor, this would effectively add a portion of its load to the total rather than the entire 8 KVA.

To calculate:

• Full load for the first range: 8 KVA

• Demand for the second range: 8 KVA × 0.75 = 6 KVA

Adding these together gives you 8 KVA + 6 KVA = 14 KVA. However, based on standard practice,