Maximum Demand Calculation [repack] Jun 2026

The ratio of the sum of individual maximum demands of various subdivisions of a system to the maximum demand of the entire system. Because individual peaks occur at different times, the diversity factor is almost always greater than 1.

Maximum demand refers to the highest electrical load expected to be drawn from a supply point at any single time . It is a critical design feature because it dictates the size of distribution cables, main protective devices, and the overall incoming supply capacity from the network operator. Core Calculation Methods

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This method relies on local electrical codes (like AS/NZS 3000 Appendix C or the National Electrical Code). It applies fixed load groups and specific diversity factors based on the occupancy type. 2. The Assessment Method

Sum the diversified currents calculated for each group to find the total maximum demand: maximum demand calculation

Multiply the connected load by a diversity factor (e.g., 66% for domestic lighting) to account for the fact that not all appliances run at once. Aggregate & Phase Balance

Designers should always confirm which standard has legal force in their jurisdiction and apply the appropriate demand factors rather than relying on generic rules of thumb. The ratio of the sum of individual maximum

Method 3: Calculation by Operational Profiling (Load Scheduling)

Method 2: Calculation by Assessment and Monitoring (Empirical) It is a critical design feature because it