What it means
The calculation counts the connected load: lighting, receptacles, HVAC equipment, kitchen or lab equipment, data rooms, motors and special systems. It then applies recognized demand factors from the electrical code to estimate the real load.
The result is compared with the capacity of the service, feeders and panels.
Why it matters
If a space needs more power than the building can provide, the fix may involve a larger service, new feeders or a transformer, and these take time and money. Discovering this after construction begins can derail the schedule and budget.
It is also a safety matter. Overloaded panels and conductors overheat.
How HSM handles it
HSM runs this check at the pre-lease stage, when it can still change your decisions. Our engineering group and Electrical Manager Adam Williams, a Master Electrician, look at the building's electrical room, available capacity and your equipment list.
If additional capacity is needed, we identify the options and their approximate cost and lead time. Our electricians then build the panels, circuits and feeders to the calculated design. Because the same team estimates and installs, the numbers in the calculation match what gets built.
What to plan for
Give us a list of your equipment, including anything planned for the future. Adding capacity during construction is cheaper than adding it afterward.
If you may add equipment later, tell us. We can size feeders and panels to leave room for growth, and it is far cheaper to plan for it now.