Importance of Properly Gauging Your Electrical Service
Is your electrical service able to support all your industrial equipment and devices? Load calculations are the first step in designing an efficient and safe power distribution system. Every business uses electricity in different ways. For instance, the requirements of industrial shops vary greatly from a commercial kitchen, retail outlet or office building. Knowing how to estimate commercial and industrial loads according to business needs is critical to preventing sudden outages and electrical accidents. Our experienced electricians explain how they go about sizing services for your facility.
Sizing Electrical Services for Your Commercial or Industrial Space
Your electrical service functions like the power headquarters of your factory, shop or office. It distributes electricity to various parts via circuitry and circuit breakers in sub panels which connect to the main control board. Calculating the load correctly helps to determine the size of your transformer which transfers electrical energy to circuits, components, devices or equipment. Load size is also a primary driver of the up-front and month-on-month costs of your service.
Connected vs. Operating Demand Load
Electrical load is further divided into connected and operating demand loads. Connected load determines the amount of energy used by all systems, equipment and devices on the same circuit. Operating demand load, on the other hand, gauges energy usage based on which systems or devices are likely to operate simultaneously. A typical example is furnaces and air conditioners as they will not be turned on at the same time. Therefore, right-sizing operating demand load is key to energy-efficiency and lowering cost. Utility companies also use the same criteria to size your service.
Calculating Operating Demand Load
Electrical panel size, secondary panel voltage, electric motors, equipment like ovens and freezers, devices such as computers, printers, etc., common-area amenities such as a microwave, coffee maker and toaster in the dining area, HVAC system, building controls and connected load (if all systems are operating at the same time) are important factors for evaluating your operating demand load. Tip: Convert all amps to kW when sizing your generator to avoid miscalculation.
Bigger is not Always Better
Some commercial electricians believe bigger is better. We disagree for several reasons.
- Opting for a bigger transformer size, keeping in mind future expansion, may lower your upfront construction costs but it increases your month-on-month electrical expenses.
- Overestimation means you are paying for more power than your business uses.
- It makes more financial sense to upgrade the transformer size when you have a concrete expansion plan and commissioning date.
Electrical Service Installation, Upgrades and Maintenance by Licensed Commercial Electricians
A licensed commercial electrician can help you properly estimate your power and electrical service requirements. At J & S Electrical Contractors, Inc., we offer customized solutions to help you configure highly-efficient electrical systems. From new builds to electrical upgrades and facility expansions, our goal is to minimize outages and deliver operational savings. With a list of clients including medical, commercial and industrial firms across New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware, we easily handle even the most complex projects. Our team is fully licensed, insured, and up to date on the latest safety codes.
Leverage our design, engineering and construction knowledge to get the ideal operational system and best value for your money. Our comprehensive electrical services include machinery design and layout assistance, design and installation of power control systems, safety and security system installs, testing and commissioning, and 24/7 emergency repair services. Count on us to keep your electrical systems running smoothly.
Call us at 215-633-8330 to learn more about our electrical services. You can also request a quote online for your commercial and industrial projects.