What is the minimum calculated service load for 1-8 KW electric range installed in a dwelling unit?

The minimum calculated service load for an electric range in a dwelling unit is determined by the National Electrical Code (NEC). For ranges that have a rating between 1 and 12 kilowatts, the NEC specifies that a general calculation for the service load should be 12,000 volt-amperes (VA) for the first 12 kW of the appliance's rating. When converted to kilowatts, this correlates to a service load of 6,000 watts (or 6 kW) for the first 12 kW of range capacity.

To arrive at the figure for the minimum calculated service load, specific rounding conventions are utilized, which yield a calculated load of 6,400 watts (6.4 kW) for ranges in the specified power range. This consideration allows for slightly more load than a typical assumption and meets code requirements aimed at ensuring safety and usability.

In this context, the choice of 6.4 kW as the minimum calculated service load represents adherence to NEC guidelines, balancing the need for adequate service capability with the practical considerations of typical usage patterns in dwelling units.