Quick Hits

⚡ Quick Hit: Offices (Again) & Hotel Rooms

Article 120 — Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Load Calculations

Episode 9.5

🏢 THE QUICK HIT

We already met office receptacle loads back in 120.14(J).

Now we're looking at the feeder/service-level version — and there's an extra step involved.

📖 120.43 — Office Buildings

At the feeder/service level, office receptacle loads are calculated using the larger of:

1️⃣ The 120.14(I) calculated load

But there's an important detail:

Table 120.47 demand factors are applied first.

OR

2️⃣ 1 VA per square foot

11 VA/m²

⚡ The Key Difference

The branch-circuit-level calculation and the feeder/service-level calculation aren't identical.

At this level, the 120.14(I) calculated load can have the applicable Table 120.47 demand factors applied before the comparison is made.

🏨 120.44 — Hotel & Motel Guest Rooms

Here's the good news:

Certain loads in hotel and motel guest rooms and suites are already included in the Table 120.42(A) unit load.

That means they don't require a separate calculation.

Included:

✅ General-use receptacle outlets rated 20 amperes or less

✅ Receptacle outlets covered by 210.52(E)(3)

✅ Lighting outlets covered by 210.70

💡 The Big Idea

For these specified hotel and motel guest-room loads, the Table 120.42(A) unit load already accounts for them.

One number covers it all.

🎯 TEST YOURSELF

Which load is already included in a hotel guest room's Table 120.42(A) unit load?

A) Motor outlets over 1/8 hp

B) General-use 20-ampere-or-less receptacle outlets

C) Sign and outline lighting

D) Show-window loads

👇 What's your answer?

✅ ANSWER

B) General-use 20-ampere-or-less receptacle outlets

These specified receptacle outlets are already included in the Table 120.42(A) unit load, so a separate load calculation isn't required for them under 120.44.

📚 KEEP EXPLORING

More from Article 120

← Back to Article 120 Quick Hits

Related Topics

→ Office Receptacle Loads

→ Table 120.47 Demand Factors

→ Hotel & Motel Guest Room Loads

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⚠️ EDUCATIONAL NOTICE

This Quick Hit is an educational explanation based on the author's understanding of the NEC. It is not a substitute for the official NEC, applicable local amendments, manufacturer instructions, or the determination of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ).

Always verify the requirements applicable to your specific installation.

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