To take control of this, you need a . What is Maximum Demand? Maximum Demand is the highest average load (usually measured over 15, 30, or 60-minute intervals) that a system draws during a billing period.
Where is the Demand Factor (or Diversity Factor). Standard Demand Factors (Reference Guide) | Load Type | Typical Demand Factor | Notes | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | Lighting (Office) | 0.75 – 0.90 | Fluorescent/LED | | Lighting (Warehouse) | 0.95 – 1.00 | High bay, always on | | General Power Outlets | 0.10 – 0.50 | Varies heavily by occupancy | | HVAC (Cooling) | 1.00 | Worst-case summer day | | HVAC (Heating) | 0.80 – 1.00 | Electric heat is high demand | | Lifts / Elevators | 0.40 – 0.60 | Largest motor only | | Motors (Continuous) | 1.00 | Pumps, compressors | | Motors (Intermittent) | 0.40 – 0.60 | Conveyors, cranes | | Kitchen Equipment | 0.40 – 0.70 | Not all used at once | The "Pro" Calculator Tool (Manual Method) If you don't have a power analyzer, use this systematic approach to estimate your MD. maximum demand calculator
Disclaimer: This guide provides estimation methods. Always consult a licensed electrical engineer for final design and safety compliance. To take control of this, you need a
Convert to kVA (PF 0.90): ( 21.1 / 0.90 = ) The "Real" Calculator: Power Analyzer / Smart Meter Manual calculations are estimates. For accurate MD (and to verify your diversity assumptions), you need real data. Where is the Demand Factor (or Diversity Factor)
Apply the factors from the table above.
Why average? A motor starting up might draw 600A for 2 seconds, but that doesn't melt the cables. The 15-minute average is what heats the transformer. Why does it matter? Utilities size their transformers for your MD. If you have a 5-minute spike once a month, you are paying for infrastructure you use 0.01% of the time. You cannot simply add up the nameplate ratings of all breakers. That is Connected Load , not Maximum Demand. Diversity saves you.
