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Power calculator (load) of apartment / house

Calculate the total power of electrical appliances in an apartment or house — consumption audit with recommendation for main circuit breaker and cable cross-section.

Object type

Residential: 0.5–0.7 · Office: 0.7–0.9 · Workshop: 0.8–1.0

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Power, W

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Formula for calculating total load

P_calc = P_inst × K_u
where P_inst is the sum of nominal powers of all devices (W),
Ku — simultaneity factor (0.5–1.0)

Typical power of household appliances

AppliancePower, WNote
Refrigerator100–200Average — 150 W
Washing machine1800–2500Peak at heating
Electric kettle1800–2200Short-duration use
Electric oven2000–3500Separate circuit 16A
Air conditioner (small)700–1200Starting current ×3.5
Microwave900–1500Short-duration use
Water heater 80L1500–2000Separate circuit
Dishwasher1800–2400Peak at heating
Iron1500–2400Cyclic load
TV (55")80–150Continuous

Calculation example for a 2-room apartment

Installed power of a typical 2-room apartment: refrigerator 150 W + washing machine 2200 W + kettle 2000 W + oven 3000 W + air conditioner 1000 W + LED lighting 200 W + TV 120 W = 8670 W (~8.7 kW).

With a simultaneity factor of 0.65: P_calc = 8670 × 0.65 = 5.6 kW. Recommended input: 1 phase 32A, cable VVGng 3×6 mm².

How to calculate the power of an apartment or house?

Correct power calculation is the first step to designing an electrical panel. It determines the choice of the main circuit breaker, cable cross-section, and connection type (single-phase or three-phase).

Installed power is the sum of the rated powers of all appliances. The calculated power takes into account the simultaneity factor: in practice, not all appliances operate at full power simultaneously. For an apartment, this factor is usually 0.6–0.7.

Starting power shows the peak load when electric motors (compressors, pumps, air conditioners) start. It is important to check that the main circuit breaker does not trip during simultaneous startup.

After determining the total power, the next step is to distribute consumers into groups (circuits) of the panel. Each high-power point (electric stove, water heater, air conditioner) should have a separate circuit with an appropriate circuit breaker and cable. Calculate the cable cross-section for each circuit in the cable cross-section calculator.

For three-phase inputs, it is important to distribute consumers evenly across phases. Use our phase balance calculator to check that the imbalance does not exceed 15–20% according to IEC 60364.

Frequently asked questions

How many kW are needed for a 1-room apartment?
For a standard 1-room apartment, the installed capacity is 7–12 kW. Considering a simultaneity factor of 0.6–0.7, the calculated power is 4.5–8 kW. Recommended input: 1ph 40A or 3ph 25A if a three-phase network is available.
When is three-phase connection required?
Three-phase connection is recommended when the total calculated power exceeds 10 kW, there are powerful three-phase consumers (3ph electric stove, industrial air conditioner), or for better load balancing in a house with many circuits.
What is the simultaneity factor?
The simultaneity (demand) factor is the fraction of installed capacity that is actually used simultaneously. For residential objects, it is usually 0.5–0.7: not all appliances operate at full power at the same time. For offices and workshops, it is 0.7–0.9.
Which MCB is needed for the main input to a house?
The rating of the main MCB is selected based on the calculated power: up to 7 kW — 1ph 32A, 7–10 kW — 1ph 50A, 10–15 kW — 3ph 25A, 15–20 kW — 3ph 32A, over 20 kW — 3ph 40A or 3ph 63A. Tripping characteristic: C.
How to account for starting currents of electric motors?
Electric motors (pumps, compressors, air conditioners) consume 3–5 times the rated current during startup. The calculator shows the starting power — use it to check the possibility of starting without tripping the MCB. For MCB selection, refer to the calculated (operating) power.
How to calculate monthly electricity consumption?
Monthly consumption (kWh) = power (kW) × hours per day × 30. Refrigerator 150 W × 24 h × 30 = 108 kWh/month. Average 2-room apartment without electric stove: 150–250 kWh/month. For an accurate calculation, add all appliances to the calculator.
What installed capacity is considered standard for an apartment?
IEC 60364 standards: 1-room — 4–6 kW, 2-room — 6–10 kW, 3-room — 8–14 kW. If an electric stove is present, add 7–12 kW. Actual installed capacity may be higher — refer to the calculated value with a simultaneity factor of 0.6–0.7.

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