Category: Design
Prepared by Eng. Ahmed Fathy, Projects Manager ·
Definition
An electrical load schedule lists every distribution board's circuits, lighting, sockets, air conditioning, heaters and pumps, with each circuit's load and breaker, then totals them and applies a demand factor to get the board's and the building's actual load.
Why it matters on a project
The meter application to the utility and the main cable size come from it. A wrong schedule means breakers that keep tripping or a cable that runs hot.
Worked example
A villa with 60 kW connected load and a 0.6 demand factor: actual load 60 × 0.6 = 36 kW, which sizes the meter and main cable.
Common mistake
Adding AC units and heaters after design without updating the schedule, leaving the meter too small for the new load.
Frequently asked questions
What is the demand factor?
The share of the installed load that actually runs at the same time.
Do I need a schedule for a small villa?
Yes, the meter application and cable and breaker sizes depend on it.
Related terms
- MEP drawingsElectrical, plumbing, HVAC and fire drawings.
- Cooling loadThe heat the air conditioning must remove from a space.
- LED lightingEnergy-efficient light fittings with set colour and output.
- Completion certificateThe certificate showing the building was built to the permit and is fit for use.
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