Quick Hits

🎬 NEC 2026 ARTICLE 120 SERIES
PART 5 OF 30 — NEC 120.7(C) | CONTROLLED VS NONCONTROLLED LOADS

NEC 120.7(C) EXPLAINED ⚡
CONTROLLED VS NONCONTROLLED LOADS
joshthesparky4 · Josh The Sparky

⚡ OPENING HOOK

A PCS doesn’t manage everything in a building...

It only manages what it’s designed to control. ⚠️

🧠 CORE IDEA

⚡ NEC 120.7(C) separates loads into two categories when a Power Control System is used:

🟢 Controlled Loads
🔴 Noncontrolled Loads

Each category is treated differently in load calculations.

This distinction is critical when sizing feeders and services in modern systems.

⚡ CODE CONNECTION

🟢 CONTROLLED LOADS

Controlled loads are equipment that the PCS can actively monitor and manage.

Examples include:

⚡ EV chargers
⚡ Electric water heaters
⚡ Battery storage systems
⚡ Other PCS-connected equipment

These loads may be adjusted based on system control logic.

🔴 NONCONTROLLED LOADS

The PCS does not manage noncontrolled loads; it must be calculated using the standard NEC Article 120 methods.

Examples include:

💡 Lighting
🖥️ General receptacles
❄️ HVAC (unless PCS-controlled)
🏠 Other permanently connected loads outside PCS control

📌 CORE TAKEAWAY

⚡ PCS systems only apply to controlled loads.

⚡ Noncontrolled loads are always calculated using standard NEC rules.

⚡ A building load is often a mix of both categories.

⚡ FINAL LINE

A PCS doesn’t change the whole calculation...

It only changes what it controls. ⚡

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