Electricity Usage and Measurement
Peak Electrical Demand Calculator
The purpose of Peak Electrical Demand is to turn connected load and demand factor into estimated peak demand. Keep the source condition with the saved result so later comparisons remain meaningful.
Enter values for Estimated peak demand
Enter ratings or measurements that describe one scenario.
Estimated peak demand: calculation method
For this worksheet, the governing relationship is peak = connected load × demand factor. The formula draws on Connected load and Demand factor.
Using the loaded examples gives 172.80 kW. Your saved case should identify where each entry came from.
Calculate estimated peak demand from connected load and demand factor. For the companion load factor calculation, open Electrical Load Factor Calculator.
Sensitivity check
Change Connected load from 240 kW to 288 kW and preserve the rest of the case. This moves the answer from 172.80 kW to 207.36 kW.
Do not average the two cases if either could define an operating limit.
Preparing the calculation
Record meter scaling, time period, load profile, and applicable tariff. Nameplate and meter values are not interchangeable unless they describe the same condition.
Use the displayed unit for every field and document conversions separately.
- Connected load
- Default example: 240 kW. Enter connected load in kW.
- Demand factor
- Default example: 0.72. Enter demand factor.
Checks that catch bad inputs
An unlabeled assumption can make an otherwise correct result unusable.
Recheck decimal placement and unit conversion when the answer looks unusual.
Reading Estimated peak demand
Interpret Estimated peak demand on the same basis used for the source values. Compare it with base, peak, and changed-operation scenarios.
Store the measurement state and conversion notes with the answer.
Checks before using the answer
Historical interval data is preferable to a generic factor.
The arithmetic intentionally leaves out meter accuracy, sampling interval, waveform bandwidth, and conversion loss. Do not hide omitted behavior inside an unexplained correction factor.
Record meter scaling, time period, load profile, and applicable tariff.
Using this result in a larger analysis
Check the source of connected load before calculating. A credible result requires every field to describe the same physical condition and unit basis.
The displayed estimated peak demand should be checked against base, peak, and changed-operation scenarios. Investigate an unexpected magnitude before changing the model or adding margin.
If uncertainty remains, calculate labeled low and high cases. Include meter accuracy, sampling interval, waveform bandwidth, and conversion loss when those effects can change the decision.
Common questions before using the result
How do I run a useful sensitivity check?
Use separate labeled cases when more than one condition changes. Use tariff periods, demand intervals, meter ratios, and operating hours from the same billing case.
Is the result a code-compliant design value?
Use the number as one check, then review the relevant tariff and measured load profile.
How much precision should I keep?
Do not round between dependent calculations. Match the final display to the precision of the source data.