Load Calculation
Load Calculation is a fundamental planning process in electrical work where professionals figure out how much electricity a building or facility needs. It's like creating a detailed electricity budget that ensures a building has enough power without overloading the system. This process helps electricians and engineers determine the right size for electrical equipment, wiring, and circuit breakers. Think of it as planning how many highways and lanes are needed based on expected traffic - but for electricity instead of cars. This skill is essential for both new installations and updating existing electrical systems.
Examples in Resumes
Performed Load Calculation for new commercial building projects
Developed accurate Load Calculations for residential electrical installations
Supervised team conducting Load Calculation and Electrical Load Analysis for industrial facility
Typical job title: "Electrical Engineers"
Also try searching for:
Where to Find Electrical Engineers
Professional Organizations
Online Communities
Job Resources
Example Interview Questions
Senior Level Questions
Q: How would you approach load calculations for a large industrial facility with multiple power sources?
Expected Answer: A senior candidate should explain the process of analyzing different power needs, considering backup systems, and planning for future expansion. They should mention gathering historical usage data, peak demand periods, and safety factors.
Q: How do you handle conflicting requirements between budget constraints and ideal electrical system design?
Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in finding cost-effective solutions while maintaining safety and compliance, providing examples of successful compromises and long-term planning strategies.
Mid Level Questions
Q: What factors do you consider when performing a load calculation for a commercial building?
Expected Answer: Should mention lighting, HVAC, office equipment, future expansion needs, and safety factors. Should explain basic calculation methods and standard requirements.
Q: How do you determine if an existing electrical system can handle additional loads?
Expected Answer: Should explain the process of assessing current usage, checking existing documentation, measuring actual loads, and calculating available capacity.
Junior Level Questions
Q: What is the purpose of load calculation in electrical design?
Expected Answer: Should explain that it helps determine the amount of power needed for a building or system to work safely and efficiently, preventing overload situations.
Q: What basic information do you need to start a load calculation?
Expected Answer: Should list building size, intended use, major equipment specifications, lighting plans, and any special requirements as essential starting points.
Experience Level Indicators
Junior (0-2 years)
- Basic electrical calculations
- Understanding of electrical codes
- Simple residential load calculations
- Use of calculation software
Mid (2-5 years)
- Commercial building calculations
- Power distribution planning
- Energy efficiency analysis
- Project coordination
Senior (5+ years)
- Complex industrial calculations
- System optimization
- Team supervision
- Technical project management
Red Flags to Watch For
- Unable to explain basic electrical safety principles
- No knowledge of current electrical codes and standards
- Lack of experience with calculation software
- No understanding of power factor and demand factors
