Exam Cheat Sheet · Quick Reference
Virginia Master Electrician
Virginia · PSI Services Contractor
Verified, not estimated. Every figure below is drawn from the official exam structure we maintain — question counts, passing standard and topic weighting. Practice questions are grounded in the source law with statute citations. We omit any figure we can't verify rather than guess at it.
Total questions
90
Passing score
70%
Exam time
270 min
Administered by
PSI Services Contractor
Format
Reference materials allowed
Virginia State Portion 90 questions
Standards of Practice
3 Q · 3%
Prohibited acts and unlicensed contracting activityGrounds for license denial, suspension, and revocationLicense reinstatement requirements and status during lapsed periodDisciplinary authority of the Virginia Board for ContractorsContractor classification definitions and monetary thresholds (Class A, B, C)Exemptions from contractor licensing requirementsAuthority having jurisdiction enforcement powers and inspection rightsPermit requirements, issuance, and revocation procedures
Standards of Conduct
2 Q · 2%
Prohibited acts and grounds for disciplinary actionDisciplinary penalties (remedial education, monetary fines, license revocation/suspension)Misrepresentation and false promises in licensure or practiceAiding or abetting unlicensed contractors; prohibited use of license by othersReporting requirements for criminal convictions and out-of-state disciplinary actionsFailure to obtain required permits or inspectionsAbandonment of contracted work and misapplication of fundsNEC enforcement authority and role of the Authority Having Jurisdiction (AHJ)
Renewal and Reinstatement
2 Q · 2%
License expiration periods by trade designationContinuing education requirements for renewal and reinstatementRenewal fees by license and certification typeReinstatement fees and grace period deadlinesMaximum reinstatement window and new application requirementsRenewal notice procedures and regulant obligationsGrounds for denial of renewal
Definitions
1 Q · 1%
Grounding and bonding terminology (grounded conductor, grounding electrode, bonding jumper types, EGC, separately derived system)Overcurrent protection terms (overcurrent, overload, fault current, interrupting rating, selective coordination, circuit breaker types)Branch circuit classifications (general-purpose, individual, appliance, multiwire)Service and feeder terminology (service point, service conductors, service drop, service lateral, service-entrance conductors, feeder)Accessibility and location classifications (accessible, readily accessible, concealed, exposed, damp/dry/wet locations)Wiring system components and devices (raceway, outlet, receptacle, panelboard, switchboard, switchgear, disconnecting means)Protection device definitions (GFCI, AFCI, SPD types, ground-fault protection of equipment, surge arrester)Hazardous location and special-system definitions (Class 1/2/3 circuits, combustible dust, associated apparatus, AHJ, listed, labeled, identified)
Qualification for Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Experience and education requirements for master electrician licensureExperience and education requirements for journeyman electrician licensureMinimum age and identification documentation requirementsApplication procedures and completion timelinesExamination requirements and conduct rulesExemptions from examination requirementCriminal conviction and prior disciplinary action disclosure requirementsReciprocity and out-of-state license recognition
Revocation of Licensure
1 Q · 1%
Grounds for disciplinary action (violations triggering revocation, suspension, or refusal to renew)Prohibited acts constituting grounds for board disciplineSubstantial identity of interest as basis for denying or revoking a licenseReporting requirements for out-of-state license suspension/revocation and criminal convictionsBoard authority to revoke or suspend electrical inspector certificates (NEC Annex H)Revocation of permits for false statements or code violations (NEC Annex H)Notification procedures following license revocationEligibility for relicensure after revocation
General Electrical Knowledge
4 Q · 4%
Grounding and bonding requirements and definitionsGrounding electrode system types and installationEquipment grounding conductors and bonding jumpers sizing and installationBranch circuit requirements including GFCI and AFCI protectionOvercurrent protection devices ratings and location requirementsService entrance conductor requirements and disconnecting meansLoad calculations for branch circuits feeders and servicesWorking space clearances and general installation requirements
Requirements for Electrical Installations
3 Q · 3%
Equipment approval, listing, and labeling requirementsElectrical connections, splices, and terminal temperature ratingsWorking space and clearance requirements around electrical equipment (1000V or less)Arc-flash hazard warning and field marking requirementsProtection of conductors and cables against physical damageGuarding of live parts and enclosure type selectionUnderground wiring installation requirements and minimum cover depthsWiring in environmental air-handling spaces and ducts
Electrical-Electronic Fundamentals
5 Q · 6%
Grounding and bonding purposes and performance requirements (NEC 250.4)Grounding electrode system types, installation, and sizing (NEC 250.52, 250.53, 250.66)Equipment grounding conductors — types, identification, and sizing (NEC 250.118, 250.119, 250.122)Main bonding jumpers and system bonding jumpers — materials, sizing, and installation (NEC 250.28)Grounding of service-supplied AC systems and separately derived systems (NEC 250.24, 250.30)Identification and use of grounded (neutral) conductors (NEC Article 200)Conductor ampacity tables, temperature ratings, and correction/adjustment factors (NEC Article 310)Surge-protective devices and surge arresters — installation and connection requirements (NEC Article 242)
Branch Circuits
7 Q · 8%
GFCI protection requirements by location (dwelling and non-dwelling)AFCI protection requirements for dwelling units and similar occupanciesBranch-circuit ratings and permissible loads (15A, 20A, 30A, 40A, 50A circuits)Minimum conductor ampacity and sizing for branch circuitsRequired branch circuits for dwelling units (small-appliance, laundry, bathroom, garage)Multiwire branch circuit requirementsReceptacle outlet placement requirements in dwelling unitsBranch-circuit load calculations and demand factors
Service and Feeders
8 Q · 9%
Service disconnect requirements and ratingsOverhead service conductor clearances and installationUnderground service conductor installation and wiring methodsService-entrance conductor sizing and ampacityService overcurrent protection and ground-fault protection of equipmentFeeder conductor sizing and overcurrent protectionLoad calculations for feeders and servicesGrounding and bonding requirements at service equipment
Grounding and Bonding
8 Q · 9%
General requirements and purposes of grounding and bonding (250.4)Grounding electrode system and permitted electrode types (250.50, 250.52)Grounding electrode conductor sizing and installation (250.64, 250.66)Equipment grounding conductors — types, sizing, and identification (250.118, 250.119, 250.122)Main bonding jumper and system bonding jumper requirements (250.28)Bonding of piping systems, structural metal, and service equipment (250.92, 250.104)Grounding of separately derived systems (250.30)Identification and use of grounded conductors (Article 200)
Conductors and Cables
7 Q · 8%
Conductor insulation types and temperature ratings (Article 310 Table 310.4(A))Ampacity tables and selection for conductors in raceways, cable, and free airAmbient temperature correction factors and adjustment factors for bundled conductorsConductors in parallel: requirements and restrictionsCable type uses permitted and not permitted (Types NM, NMC, MC, AC, SE, USE, UF)Securing, supporting, and bending radius requirements by cable typeGrounded conductor identification methods by size and cable typeFlexible cord and fixture wire types, uses permitted, and ampacity
Raceways and Boxes
7 Q · 8%
Conduit fill calculations and conductor count limits (Chapter 9, Table 1)Securing and supporting requirements for each raceway type (intervals and fastening distances)Permitted and prohibited uses of each raceway type (RMC, IMC, EMT, FMC, LFMC, LFNC, PVC)Bending requirements: minimum radius and maximum number of bends per runBox fill calculations and volume allowances (Article 314)Pull and junction box sizing for conductors 4 AWG and larger (straight pull and angle pull rules)Grounding and bonding of metal raceways and enclosuresProtection against corrosion, physical damage, and installation in wet or underground locations
Special Occupancies
4 Q · 4%
Hazardous location classification (Class I, II, III; Divisions 1 and 2)Protection techniques for hazardous locations (explosionproof, dust-ignitionproof, intrinsic safety, purged/pressurized, nonincendive)Wiring methods and sealing requirements in Class I, II, and III locationsZone classification system (Zone 0, 1, and 2) and equipment marking requirementsSwimming pools, spas, and fountains — GFCI protection, bonding, and equipotential requirementsHealth care facility essential electrical systems (Type 1 and Type 2 EES, life safety and critical branches)Motor fuel dispensing facilities — area classification and wiring requirementsCommercial garages — hazardous area classification and wiring above and within Class I locations
Special Equipment
2 Q · 2%
GFCI requirements for swimming pools, spas, and fountainsEquipotential bonding for pool structures and perimeter surfacesUnderwater luminaire installation and wiring requirementsDisconnecting means and overcurrent protection for elevators and escalatorsWiring methods for elevator hoistways, machine rooms, and traveling cablesContact conductors and disconnecting means for cranes and hoistsElectric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE) branch circuits, ratings, and disconnecting meansElectrified truck parking space supply equipment and receptacle requirements
Electrical Signs and Outline Lighting
2 Q · 2%
Listing and labeling requirements for signs, outline lighting, and retrofit kitsRequired branch circuit provisions for commercial occupancies (rating, dedicated use, outlet placement)Disconnecting means requirements (location, lockability, marking, and exceptions)Grounding and bonding of sign equipment and metal partsTransformer and electronic power supply requirements (type, secondary voltage limits, current rating, ground-fault protection)Neon secondary-circuit wiring methods (over and under 1000 volts, conductor type, spacing, and installation)Markings for signs including retrofitted illumination systems and incandescent lampholder ratingsLocation requirements for signs (clearance from vehicles, combustible materials, and wet location drainage)
Motors and Controls
8 Q · 9%
Motor branch-circuit conductor sizing and ampacity requirementsMotor overload protection selection and trip current ratingsBranch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratings (Table 430.52)Motor disconnecting means types, ratings, and location requirementsMotor controller ratings, marking, and design requirementsMotor control circuit overcurrent protection and disconnectionHermetic refrigerant motor-compressor branch-circuit protection and conductor sizing (Article 440)Adjustable-speed drive system conductor and overcurrent protection requirements
Utilization Equipment
5 Q · 6%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, closets, bathrooms)Motor overload protection selection and sizingMotor branch-circuit short-circuit and ground-fault protective device ratingsDisconnecting means requirements for motors, appliances, and HVAC equipmentAppliance branch-circuit requirements and overcurrent protectionFixed electric space-heating equipment branch-circuit sizing and overcurrent protectionAir-conditioning and refrigerating equipment branch-circuit conductors and motor-compressor protection
Lighting
2 Q · 2%
Luminaire installation requirements by location (wet, damp, corrosive, bathtub/shower areas)Recessed luminaire clearances, thermal protection, and insulation contact (Type IC vs. non-IC)Luminaire support methods (outlet boxes, suspended ceilings, poles, trees)Grounding and equipment grounding conductor requirements for luminairesWiring of luminaires (conductor insulation ratings, polarization, splices, pendant conductors)Lighting track installation, connected load, and prohibited locationsLow-voltage lighting systems (Article 411 scope, listing, secondary circuit requirements, branch circuit limits)Fixture wire types, ampacity, minimum size, and permitted uses (Article 402)
General Low Voltage Requirements
1 Q · 1%
Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3 circuit classifications and power source requirementsLow-voltage lighting systems scope, listing, and installation requirements (Article 411)Wiring methods and conductor requirements for circuits operating at less than 50 volts (Article 720)Separation of Class 2 and Class 3 circuits from power and light conductorsCable types, substitution hierarchy, and installation locations for Class 2, Class 3, and PLTC cablesFire alarm circuit types (NPLFA and PLFA) — power sources, wiring methods, and cable listingsGrounding and bonding requirements for communications systems (Article 800)Abandoned cable removal and mechanical execution of work for low-voltage systems
Communication Systems
1 Q · 1%
Grounding and bonding of communications cables and primary protectors (Article 800/805)Cable types, listings, and substitution hierarchies for communications wiring (CMP, CMR, CM, CMX, CATV, BL, BM)Installation methods within buildings: plenum, riser, and general-purpose locationsSeparation requirements between communications circuits and electric light/power conductorsOverhead and underground communications wires and cables entering buildingsAntenna systems for radio and television equipment: grounding, clearances, and protectors (Article 810)CATV coaxial cable systems: grounding, power limitations, and installation (Article 820)Network-powered and premises-powered broadband communications systems (Articles 830/840)
Fire Detection and Alarms Systems
2 Q · 2%
NPLFA vs. PLFA circuit classification and power source requirementsBranch circuit requirements and disconnect identification for fire alarm systemsOvercurrent protection for NPLFA and PLFA conductorsCable types, listings, and application locations (FPLP, FPLR, FPL, NPLFP, NPLFR, NPLF)Separation of PLFA circuits from power, Class 1, and non-power-limited conductorsCircuit integrity (CI) cable and fire-resistive cable system installation requirementsWiring methods for fire alarm cables in plenums, risers, hoistways, and general spacesFire alarm circuit identification, abandoned cable removal, and mechanical execution of work
Safety
4 Q · 4%
Lockout/tagout (LOTO) program requirements and proceduresEstablishing an electrically safe work condition (de-energization steps)Arc flash risk assessment and arc flash boundary determinationElectric shock risk assessment and approach boundaries (limited and restricted)Personal protective equipment (PPE) selection and arc flash PPE categoriesEnergized electrical work permit requirements and elementsElectrical safety program requirements, training, and auditingSafe work practices for energized electrical work and personnel precautions
Key Distinctions
Elevator/dumbwaiter driving machine motor duty ratingvsEscalator/moving walk driving machine motor duty rating
Elevator and dumbwaiter driving machine motors are rated intermittent duty (620.61(B)(1)), while escalator and moving walk driving machine motors must be rated continuous (620.61(B)(2)).
NEC 2020 Section 620.61(B)(2)Type 1 SPDvsType 2 SPD
A Type 1 SPD is installed between the service transformer secondary and the line side of the service disconnect, whereas a Type 2 SPD is permanently installed on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, including at branch panels (Type 3 is point-of-utilization, Type 4 is a component SPD).
NEC 2020 Article 100 — Surge-Protective Device (SPD)Service pointvsService drop / service lateral
The service point is the point of connection (demarcation) between the serving utility's facilities and the premises wiring; the service drop is the overhead conductors and the service lateral the underground conductors running between the utility and that service point.
NEC 2020 Article 100 — Service PointSupply-side bonding jumpervsMain bonding jumper vs. system bonding jumper vs. equipment bonding jumper
A supply-side bonding jumper is installed on the supply side of a service, within service equipment, or for a separately derived system; the main bonding jumper connects the grounded circuit conductor to the EGC/supply-side bonding jumper at the service, the system bonding jumper makes that connection at a separately derived system, and an equipment bonding jumper connects portions of the EGC.
NEC 2020 Article 100 — Bonding Jumper, Supply-SideExternally operablevsDead front / enclosed / guarded
"Externally operable" means capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts; "dead front" means no live parts exposed on the operating side, "enclosed" means surrounded by a case or housing preventing accidental contact, and "guarded" means covered or shielded to remove the likelihood of approach to a point of danger.
NEC 2020 Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Externally Operable)Optional dwelling calculation, 220.82(B)vsExisting dwelling additional-load calculation, 220.83(A)
220.82(B) takes 100% of the first 10 kVA plus 40% of the remainder (and applies only where the 120/240V or 208Y/120V 3-wire service/feeder has 100 A or greater ampacity), while 220.83(A), used when no additional A/C or electric space heating is added, takes 100% of the first 8 kVA plus 40% of the remainder.
NEC 2020 Section 220.82(B)Disconnect minimums for buildings supplied by a feeder or branch circuit: one or two circuitsvsOne-family dwelling vs. all other installations
A single branch circuit supplying only limited loads needs a disconnect rated at least 15 A (225.39(A)); not more than two 2-wire branch circuits need at least 30 A (225.39(B)); a one-family dwelling's feeder disconnect must be at least 100 A, 3-wire (225.39(C)); all other installations must be at least 60 A (225.39(D)).
NEC 2020 Section 225.39(B)EGC at a separate building/structurevsGrounded (neutral) conductor at a separate building/structure
Per 250.32(B)(1) the EGC must be run with the supply conductors and connected to the building disconnecting means and grounding electrode(s), but any installed grounded conductor shall not be connected to the EGC or to the grounding electrode(s) at the separate structure.
NEC 2020 Section 250.32(B)(1)Straight pull box sizingvsAngle pull box sizing
For conductors 4 AWG or larger, a straight pull requires box length of at least 8 times the trade size of the largest raceway, while an angle pull requires at least 6 times the largest raceway trade size plus the sum of the diameters of all other raceway entries on the same wall.
NEC 2020 Section 314.28(A)(1)Run with no intermediate pull pointvsRun with a conduit body (pull point) added
EMT bends are limited to 360° between pull points; adding a conduit body creates a pull point so each section between pull points may then contain up to 360° of bends.
NEC 2020 Section 358.26Branch circuits rated 50 A or lessvsBranch circuits larger than 50 A
Branch circuits larger than 50 A shall supply only nonlighting outlet loads, so they may not serve both lighting and nonlighting loads.
NEC 2020 Section 210.23(D)20-ampere small-appliance branch circuitsvs15-ampere general-purpose branch circuits
Dwelling kitchen countertop receptacles (outlets specified in 210.52(B)) must be served by the two or more required 20-A small-appliance branch circuits and cannot be placed on a 15-A general-purpose circuit.
NEC 2020 Section 210.11(C)(1), 210.52(B)Nontime-delay fuse sizing for a polyphase motorvsInverse-time circuit breaker maximum for starting
Nontime-delay fuses for AC polyphase motors are sized at 300% of FLC (next higher standard size permitted), while an inverse-time breaker may be increased when needed for starting but in no case over 400% of FLC for FLC of 100 A or less.
NEC 2020 Table 430.52, NEC 430.52(C)(1), NEC 240.6(A)Key Terms
Continuous load NEC 2020 Article 100
A load where the maximum current is expected to continue for 3 hours or more.
Externally operable NEC 2020 Article 100 (Definitions, Part I — Externally Operable)
Capable of being operated without exposing the operator to contact with live parts.
Supply-side bonding jumper NEC 2020 Article 100 — Bonding Jumper, Supply-Side
A conductor installed on the supply side of a service, within a service equipment enclosure, or for a separately derived system, that ensures required electrical conductivity between metal parts required to be electrically connected.
Service point NEC 2020 Article 100 — Service Point
The point of connection between the facilities of the serving utility and the premises wiring — the demarcation where the utility ends and premises wiring begins.
Surge-protective device (SPD), Type 2 NEC 2020 Article 100 — Surge-Protective Device (SPD)
A permanently connected SPD intended for installation on the load side of the service disconnect overcurrent device, including SPDs located at the branch panel.
Combustible dust NEC 2020 Article 100 — Combustible Dust
Dust particles 500 microns or smaller (material passing a U.S. No. 35 Standard Sieve per ASTM E11-2015) that present a fire or explosion hazard when dispersed and ignited in air.
Interrupting rating NEC 2020 Section 110.9
Equipment intended to interrupt current at fault levels must have an interrupting rating at nominal circuit voltage at least equal to the current available at the line terminals of the equipment.
Effective ground-fault current path NEC 2020 Section 250.4(A)(5)
The intentional path for fault current; the earth shall not be considered as an effective ground-fault current path.
Objectionable current NEC 2020 Section 250.6(B)
Current resulting from multiple grounding connections; where present and 250.4(A)(5) or (B)(4) is still met, one permitted remedy is to discontinue one or more but not all of the grounding connections (never all of them).
High-impedance grounded neutral system NEC 2020 Section 250.36
A system in which a grounding impedance limits ground-fault current to a low value; permitted for 3-phase AC systems of 480 V to 1000 V when all specified conditions are met.
Main bonding jumper identification (screw type) NEC 2020 Section 250.28(B)
Where the main bonding jumper or system bonding jumper is a screw only, the screw must have a green finish visible with the screw installed.
Supplemental grounding electrode NEC 2020 Section 250.53(A)(2)
A single rod, pipe, or plate electrode must be supplemented by an additional electrode of a type in 250.52(A)(2) through (A)(8), unless the single electrode has a resistance to earth of 25 ohms or less.
Multiwire branch circuit disconnecting means NEC 2020 Section 210.4(B)
Each multiwire branch circuit must be provided with a means that simultaneously disconnects all ungrounded conductors at the point where the branch circuit originates.
Type S flexible cord NEC 2020 Table 400.4
A 600 V hard service cord with thermoset insulation and thermoset outer covering, suitable for pendant or portable use in damp locations with an extra-hard usage rating.
Pull point (EMT bends) NEC 2020 Section 358.26
A box or conduit body between which no more than 360° of bends is permitted in one run; a conduit body counts as a pull point.
Prohibited act — failure to report conviction (VA 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), 18 VAC 50-30-190(11)
A regulant must inform the Board in writing within 30 days of conviction of any felony or a misdemeanor involving lying, cheating, stealing, sexual offense, non-marijuana drug distribution, physical injury, or relating to the practice of the profession.
Prohibited act — aiding or abetting an unlicensed contractor (VA 18 VAC 50-30-190(8)) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), 18 VAC 50-30-190(8)
Allowing one's license or certification to be used by an unlicensed or uncertified individual, which is subject to disciplinary action.
Prohibited act — false information to the Board (VA 18 VAC 50-30-190(2)) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), 18 VAC 50-30-190(2)
Furnishing substantially inaccurate or incomplete information to the Board in obtaining, renewing, reinstating, or maintaining a license or certification.
Prohibited act — prior discipline by another governing body (VA 18 VAC 50-30-190(12)) Virginia Board for Contractors Regulations (18 VAC 50-30), 18 VAC 50-30-190(12)
Having been disciplined by any county, city, town, or any state or federal governing body for actions relating to the practice of any trade is a prohibited act, and the Board must review that action before taking its own disciplinary action.
Formulas to Know
Minimum service-entrance / feeder conductor ampacity with continuous and noncontinuous loads
Ampacity ≥ noncontinuous load + (1.25 × continuous load); e.g., 150 A + (80 A × 1.25) = 250 A; 30 A + (100 A × 1.25) = 155 AMotor branch-circuit conductor ampacity (single continuous-duty motor)
Ampacity ≥ 1.25 × motor FLC (e.g., 1.25 × 65 A = 81.25 A); for a part-winding connected motor, conductors between controller and motor ≥ 62.5% of FLC (50% × 1.25)Motor feeder conductor ampacity (multiple motors)
Ampacity ≥ (1.25 × FLC of largest motor) + sum of FLCs of all other motors; e.g., (1.25 × 65) + 40 = 121.25 A; (1.25 × 15.2) + 15.2 + 15.2 = 49.4 AMotor branch-circuit short-circuit/ground-fault protection
Nontime-delay fuse = 300% × FLC, next higher standard size permitted (300% × 65 A = 195 A → 200 A); inverse-time breaker may be increased for starting to a maximum of 400% × FLC where FLC ≤ 100 A (60 A × 400% = 240 A)Motor overload protection maximum (430.32(A)(1))
Separate overload device ≤ 125% × nameplate FLC for motors with a marked service factor ≥ 1.15 or marked temperature rise ≤ 40°C; ≤ 115% × nameplate FLC for all other motors. These are maximums, not a range: 30 A → 37.5 A max (service factor 1.15) or 34.5 A max (other motors)Hermetic motor-compressor conductors and OCPD
Conductors ≥ 1.25 × RLA (30 A × 1.25 = 37.5 A); branch-circuit OCPD ≤ 1.75 × RLA (30 A × 1.75 = 52.5 A → 50 A standard size; the 2020 NEC has no next-higher-size allowance here), increased only if needed for starting, up to 225% of RLA (67.5 A → 60 A)Generator output conductor ampacity
Ampacity ≥ 1.15 × generator nameplate current rating; 80 A × 1.15 = 92 A minimumContinuous-duty equipment OCPD sizing (EVSE, room A/C limit)
EVSE branch-circuit OCPD ≥ 1.25 × maximum equipment load (40 A × 1.25 = 50 A); cord-and-plug room air conditioner sharing a circuit with lighting/receptacles ≤ 50% of branch-circuit rating (50% × 20 A = 10 A)Dwelling optional/additional-load calculations
220.82(B): 100% of first 10 kVA + 40% of remainder; 220.83(A) with no added A/C or electric space heat: 100% of first 8 kVA + 40% of remainder; Table 220.42 general lighting: first 3,000 VA at 100%; Table 220.56 commercial kitchen equipment, 6 or more units: 65% demand factor; standard calculation (220.51): fixed electric space heating at 100% of the total connected load (not in the 220.82 optional method, which uses the 220.82(C) heating percentages)Dwelling general lighting plus small-appliance/laundry VA load (before demand factors)
Load = (area ft² × 3 VA/ft²) + (1,500 VA × number of small-appliance circuits) + (1,500 VA × number of laundry circuits); e.g., 1,800 ft²: 5,400 + 4,500 + 3,000 = 12,900 VA; 1,200 ft² unit = 8,100 VA × 4 units = 32,400 VA. Dwelling units only: non-dwelling general lighting uses the Table 220.12 unit load for the occupancy (retail 1.9 VA/ft² in NEC 2020)