Calculate your total electrical load to size wiring, circuit breakers, and electricity meters correctly. Essential for new builds and renovations across Africa.
Proper electrical load calculation is critical for safety and efficiency. Overloaded circuits cause fires, damage appliances, and trip breakers constantly. In many African countries, electrical installations must comply with local wiring regulations: NEC (Nigeria), SANS 10142 (South Africa), or BS 7671 adaptations used in Kenya, Ghana, and Tanzania.
The total connected load of a household is the sum of all appliance wattages. However, the demand load (what actually runs simultaneously) is typically 60-80% of the total, since not all appliances operate at the same time. This calculator uses a 0.7 demand factor for realistic sizing.
For a typical single-phase Nigerian home with 5-8 kW total load, a 16mm2 copper cable from the meter to the distribution board is standard. Individual circuits use 2.5mm2 for sockets and 1.5mm2 for lighting.
Single phase (220V) handles up to about 13 kW. If your total load exceeds this (e.g., homes with AC in multiple rooms, large water heaters, or workshops), you need three-phase supply. In Nigeria, this requires a DisCo application.
Demand factor accounts for the fact that not all appliances run simultaneously. A 0.7 (70%) demand factor means you size your supply for 70% of the total connected load. This is standard practice for residential installations.