Master Electrician Practice Exam

When calculating total load for an office building, what additional load per square foot is required for receptacle outlets if not determined?

1. 0.5 volt-amps

2. 1 volt-amp

3. 2 volt-amps

4. 3 volt-amps

The correct answer is: 1 volt-amp

In the context of calculating total load for an office building, when receptacle outlet load requirements are not specifically determined, the National Electrical Code (NEC) recommends using a standard value of 1 volt-amp per square foot for general-purpose receptacle outlets. This value is used to ensure that the electrical system is adequately designed to handle the general load from equipment and devices that will typically be plugged into those outlets, such as computers, printers, and other office equipment. Using this standard figure allows electricians and engineers to make calculations that result in a safe and functional electrical system, considering that office environments often have a variety of devices and varying power needs. Estimating the total load using this standardized value helps in ensuring that circuits are not overloaded and that there is enough capacity for the actual usage that will occur in the space. Other options provided either fall below this standard or exceed it, which may not accurately represent typical office receptacle demands. Adopting the recommended figure of 1 volt-amp provides a balanced approach to load calculations, accommodating typical usage patterns without unduly overestimating power requirements.