Maximum Demand Calculator May 2026

Why average? A motor starting up might draw 600A for 2 seconds, but that doesn't melt the cables. The 15-minute average is what heats the transformer. Why does it matter? Utilities size their transformers for your MD. If you have a 5-minute spike once a month, you are paying for infrastructure you use 0.01% of the time. You cannot simply add up the nameplate ratings of all breakers. That is Connected Load , not Maximum Demand. Diversity saves you.

Apply the factors from the table above.

To take control of this, you need a . What is Maximum Demand? Maximum Demand is the highest average load (usually measured over 15, 30, or 60-minute intervals) that a system draws during a billing period. maximum demand calculator

Convert to kVA (PF 0.90): ( 21.1 / 0.90 = ) The "Real" Calculator: Power Analyzer / Smart Meter Manual calculations are estimates. For accurate MD (and to verify your diversity assumptions), you need real data. Why average

Disclaimer: This guide provides estimation methods. Always consult a licensed electrical engineer for final design and safety compliance. Why does it matter