Before applying demand factors, what calculation is typically performed for feeders?

Before applying demand factors, what calculation is typically performed for feeders?

• A. Total calculated feeder load.
• B. To determine the number of feeders.
• C. To estimate conductor cost.
• D. To evaluate environmental conditions.

Answer: (A)

When sizing feeders, you first add up all the connected loads to get the total calculated feeder load. This gives the baseline amount the feeders would carry if every device were on at once. Demand factors are then applied to this baseline to reflect the reality that not all loads peak simultaneously. So the key step before applying demand factors is determining that total calculated feeder load. Other options aren’t the immediate calculation before demand factors: the number of feeders is a later design consideration, estimating conductor cost is a cost-based step, and evaluating environmental conditions addresses installation context rather than the load the feeders must carry.

When sizing feeders, you first add up all the connected loads to get the total calculated feeder load. This gives the baseline amount the feeders would carry if every device were on at once. Demand factors are then applied to this baseline to reflect the reality that not all loads peak simultaneously. So the key step before applying demand factors is determining that total calculated feeder load.

Other options aren’t the immediate calculation before demand factors: the number of feeders is a later design consideration, estimating conductor cost is a cost-based step, and evaluating environmental conditions addresses installation context rather than the load the feeders must carry.