--- title: PowerCalc Blog | NEC (2) description: NEC | Read PowerCalc Blog | NEC COMPLIANT ELECTRICAL DESIGN SOFTWARE FOR BUILDINGS (2) --- [![Powercalc_Logo.png](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Powercalc_Logo.png?width=592&height=91&name=Powercalc_Logo.png "Powercalc_Logo.png")](https://www.powercalc.co) # PowerCalc Blog [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/CSE2019_POYLogoFinalist_Combined_K.jpg?width=414&name=CSE2019_POYLogoFinalist_Combined_K.jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/finalist-product-of-the-year-2019) ## [FINALIST: Product of the Year 2019](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/finalist-product-of-the-year-2019) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Apr 25, 2019 11:00:00 AM *It is magic. It gets standing ovations. It changes electrical design...forever  for the better...* [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/finalist-product-of-the-year-2019) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Electrical%20Room%20(2).jpg?width=600&name=Electrical%20Room%20(2).jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110.34-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-1000-v-or-more-article-3-of-3) ## [NEC Article 110.34: Electrical Room "Basics" - Electrical Equipment Rated at 1,000 V or More, Article #3 of 3](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110.34-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-1000-v-or-more-article-3-of-3) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Apr 11, 2019 11:00:00 AM Dear Colleague: [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110.34-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-1000-v-or-more-article-3-of-3) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/(2).jpg?width=408&name=(2).jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-600-v-or-less-article-2-of-3) ## [NEC Article 110: Electrical Room "Basics" - Electrical Equipment Rated at 600 V or Less, Article #2 of 3](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-600-v-or-less-article-2-of-3) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Mar 28, 2019 11:00:00 AM Dear Colleague: [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-electrical-equipment-rated-at-600-v-or-less-article-2-of-3) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Panel-2.jpg?width=597&name=Panel-2.jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-article-1-of-3) ## [NEC Article 110: Electrical Room "Basics" - Article #1 of 3](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-article-1-of-3) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Mar 14, 2019 11:00:00 AM Dear Colleague, [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/nec-article-110-electrical-room-basics-article-1-of-3) ## [Free Demos at Lunch: 1st Friday of Every Month](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/free-demos-at-lunch-1st-friday-of-every-month) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Feb 28, 2019 11:00:00 AM  Dear ***Colleague,*** [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/free-demos-at-lunch-1st-friday-of-every-month) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/SnipImage-2.jpg?width=510&name=SnipImage-2.jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/the-incredible-1-line-diagram-1st-anniversary) ## [The Incredible 1 Line Diagram: 1st Anniversary!](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/the-incredible-1-line-diagram-1st-anniversary) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Feb 14, 2019 11:00:00 AM *Celebration:* 1st anniversary of the *Incredible 1 Line Diagram's* launch! [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/the-incredible-1-line-diagram-1st-anniversary) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Entrepreneur%20360.png?width=600&name=Entrepreneur%20360.png) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/powercalctm-named-one-of-the-best-entrepreneurial-companies-in-america) ## [PowerCalc(tm) Named One of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America"](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/powercalctm-named-one-of-the-best-entrepreneurial-companies-in-america) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Jan 31, 2019 11:00:00 AM ### *PowerCalc(tm) *named one of the "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America" by *Entrepreneur* Magazine's Entrepreneur360(tm) List.  This list is a premier study delivering the most comprehensive analysis of private companies in America. Based on this study, *PowerCalc* has been recognized as a leader mastering a balance of impact, innovation, growth and value.  "It is great to be recognized for our commitment to innovation and many efforts to establish *PowerCalc *as cutting edge software for building and facility professionals," stated James Khalil, PE, company president and software inventor.  "Our annual evaluation of vetted data offers a 360-degree analysis of top privately held companies across a multitude of industries," explains Jason Feifer, editor in chief of *Entrepreneur* Magazine."They are deemed successful not only by revenue numbers, but by how well-rounded they are. The companies that make the list have pushed boundaries with their innovative ideas, fostered strong company cultures, impacted their communities for the better and increased their brand awareness." Honorees were identified based on the results from a comprehensive study of independently owned companies, using a proprietary algorithm and other advanced analytics. The algorithm was built on a balanced scorecard designed to measure five metrics reflecting major pillars of entrepreneurship -- innovation, growth, leadership, impact and business valuation. ***About** PowerCalc* *PowerCalc *is the **FIRST** Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) company to completely automate electrical engineering calculations for the Building, Construction and Facility Management Industries. *PowerCalc* is patented software and an incredibly powerful tool that is unexpectedly easy to use. Just 3 inputs (load kVA, load type and # of poles) per circuit results in over 300 outputs compliant with the National Electrical Code (NEC) for the design of the entire power distribution system in a building.That's from the light switch to the power grid. Saves 40% in design time and 7%+ in energy use, with instantaneous changes across the design upstream/downstream and a simultaneously generated 1 Line Diagram...all with incomparable accuracy due to its proprietary database. The electrical design construction documents that used to take days to develop now take just a few hours. *PowerCalc *is used by engineers, electricians, architects, general contractors and facility managers. To learn more about *PowerCalc*, visit [powercalc](http://powercalc.co/?utm_campaign=Announcements%20and%20Contests&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-9NKq5a3-wAT8J29byqR9qkvkE5diFx1W4OgKhwyhIJPxocfXO6J9avTHeNI0bNYGd2K0zD). ***About Entrepeneur Media Inc.*** For 41 years, Entrepreneur Media Inc. has been servicing the entrpreneurial community by providing comprehensive coverage of business and personal success through original content and events. *Entrepreneur* Magazine, Entrepreneur.com, Green Entrepreneur.com and publishing imprint Entrepreur Press provide solutions, information, inspiration and education read by millions of entrepreneurs and small business owners worldwide.  [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1002713/0ab391e1-360e-4211-839a-cceab9a5f499.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1002713/0ab391e1-360e-4211-839a-cceab9a5f499) [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/powercalctm-named-one-of-the-best-entrepreneurial-companies-in-america) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/question-mark-2010012__340.jpg?width=616&name=question-mark-2010012__340.jpg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/faqs-your-questions/our-answers) ## [FAQs: Your Questions/Our Answers](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/faqs-your-questions/our-answers) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Jan 17, 2019 11:00:00 AM We’ve been collecting your questions and our answers for a while now…and thought to share a few of the more interesting discussions with you. And remember, you can always contact us at *[support@powercalc.co](mailto:support@powercalc.co)* with your own questions. ***When can the circuit breaker ampacity exceed the conductor ampacity?*** In electrical circuits serving electrical motors, the circuit breaker ampacity can be sized up to 250% of the motor full amps (FLA) while the conductor is sized at 125% of FLA. Example: CKT 2,4 is serving a pump and the load type is selected to be M1 (Motor Load) Pump Load is 6 kVA @ 230 V Single Phase Either on the Panel Schedule or BLDG Equipment Form, enter 6 kVA  @ the load kVA cell *PowerCalc* calculates Amp 6000 / 230 = 26.1 Amps and displays the value in the respective cell Conductor size = 26.1 x 1.25= 32.63 Amps *PowerCalc* selects conductor size = 8 AWG (can also be displayed in metric units) and displays on the panel schedule, also selecting the conduit size and ground conductor. Then* PowerCalc* calculates the breaker trip amp at 250% x FLA as allowed by the NEC Table 430.52 for motor loads to prevent the breaker from tripping due to inrush current. Then 26.1 x 250% = 65.25 Amps *PowerCalc* selects the next standard circuit breaker = 70 Amps (the User can manually reset the Breaker Trip Amp) A fault is different from an overload…the breaker will hold during the inrush current.  If a fault exceeds the inrush current, then the breaker will open. This is a common misunderstanding. The general rule is that the breaker trip ampacity should not exceed the conductor ampacity protected by the relevant circuit breaker. But the exception is illustrated in this example: when the circuit breaker protects a conductor feeding a motor circuit and the NEC allows the circuit breaker to be sized up to 250% of the motor FLA. ***Can a “newly graduated" engineer use ******PowerCalc or is it too complicated******?*** *PowerCalc’s *goal is to make electrical engineering calculations easy in conjunction with ensuring incredible accuracy.  For this reason, *PowerCalc* includes several “Wizards” to streamline the calculation process making it easier and more efficient to input the necessary values for the calculation of the engineering values required for the  design of the  power distribution system.  Some users actually have their office support staff input these values in the Branch Circuit Wizard.This procedure eliminates a tedious and repetitive process for the engineers. The other wizards include: Panel Wizard, Short Circuit Calculation Wizard and Energy Savings Wizard. These wizards were implemented to ensure  that *PowerCalc* can be used by any personnel in an engineering office.  *See* [Wizards](https://www.powercalc.co/wizard?utm_campaign=2019&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--nHY7cfoXN3xzGgbCave-AiMPwomKyZg6pm1-2hftdN6hrdwnI3Bel8YRf-3j5Dd_nPFtk). ***Why does the User designate the Load Type when using ******PowerCalc******?*** One User asked about this issue, so a word of caution to all: the Load Type *you assign to the electrical load is very important, especially when dealing with residential design.* The NEC breaks loads into motor loads and resistive loads. *PowerCalc* is careful to likewise also distinguish between motor and resistive loads.  To get the full benefit of the code applied demand in residential design, use load type “R” ( for Receptacles) *for all loads* with the exception of “AC” (for Air Conditioning) and “H” (for Heating) loads.  With this procedure, *PowerCalc *will apply a 100% demand factor for the first 10 kVA load (load type R), then 40% for the remaining load and finally 100% of the largest AC or heating load, all in compliance with the NEC. This approach* only* works for residential, so don’t use it on other projects. ***Does ******PowerCalc****** do double tub as well as 84 single pole circuit panel?*** *PowerCalc* does the double tub as well as 84 circuits…so that both older and current NEC codes can be complied with.  To get the 84 circuits: go to the panel, click on control panel, click on Wizard panel module > panel features > go to cell named “poles” and type in the number of poles desired (in your case 84), then click on close and calculate.  Please note that each space in a lighting power panel is a "pole". Meanwhile, each space on a distribution panel can be 1 pole, 2 pole or 3 pole circuit.  ***How does the User increase the number of panel circuits?*** The default for the number of circuits is 6. To increase the number of circuits, while on the respective Panel Screen: Click on  Control Panel to open the control panel On the right side of the Screen Click on “WIZARD  - PNL BRD Module” Go to the last Row "PNL BRD Features" At the end of the ROW, find “Poles” and type the desired # of Poles ( up to 84 Poles) ### Thanks to each of you  for your support and interest throughout 2018 and a successful 2019 to all. Be sure to contact us with your questions at [support@powercalc.co](mailto:support@powercalc.co) and we will share them with all of our readers. We will be publishing these FAQs with others on our website. [![New Call-to-action](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/1002713/0ab391e1-360e-4211-839a-cceab9a5f499.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/1002713/0ab391e1-360e-4211-839a-cceab9a5f499) [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/faqs-your-questions/our-answers) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/holiday%20card%20image.jpeg?width=524&name=holiday%20card%20image.jpeg) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/happy-holidays-2018) ## [Happy Holidays 2018](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/happy-holidays-2018) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Dec 27, 2018 11:00:00 AM Dear Colleague: [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/happy-holidays-2018) [![](https://blog.powercalc.co/hs-fs/hubfs/Newsletter%20Images/Home%20Page.png?width=1906&name=Home%20Page.png) ](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/proof-of-concept-1000s-of-projects-and-billions-in-construction-spend) ## [Proof of Concept: 1000s of Projects and Billions $$ in Construction Spend](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/proof-of-concept-1000s-of-projects-and-billions-in-construction-spend) By [James Khalil, P.E.](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/author/james-khalil-p-e) | Dec 20, 2018 11:00:00 AM Dear Colleague: [Read More >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/proof-of-concept-1000s-of-projects-and-billions-in-construction-spend) [< PREVIOUS PAGE](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/nec/page/1) [NEXT PAGE >](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/nec/page/3) COMMENTS ### SUBSCRIBE VIA EMAIL ### POSTS BY TOPIC - [1 Line Diagram (37)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/1-line-diagram) - [NEC (32)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/nec) - [electrical engineering (26)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/electrical-engineering) - [Video Insight (11)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/video-insight) - [Study Cases (4)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/study-cases) - [Holiday (3)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/holiday) - [Total Electrical Load (2)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/total-electrical-load) - [NEC Introduction (1)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/nec-introduction) - [Thanksgiving (1)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/thanksgiving) - [quality (1)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/quality) - [video (1)](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/video) [see all](https://blog.powercalc.co/posts/topic/nec/page/2#) ### RECENT ARTICLES ### POPULAR ARTICLES Incredibly powerful...yet unexpectedly easy. 488 N. 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