The shift from manual load calcs to software for service upgrades

I used to do all my residential service upgrade load calculations by hand with a notepad and the NEC book. It would take me a solid 45 minutes per job, and I was always paranoid about missing something. About two years ago, I started using a simple app on my phone that does the math for you. It asks for the square footage, major appliances, and heating type, then spits out the minimum service size. The switch happened after I did a 200-amp upgrade in Tacoma and the inspector pointed out a faster way. Now I can do a full calc in under 10 minutes and double-check my work instantly. What other tools have you guys picked up that actually save real time on the paperwork side?

3 comments

3 Comments

bailey.sandra1mo ago

My old notepad had more crossed-out math than actual notes. The app is a lifesaver for my shaky division skills.

betty_shah1mo ago

luna_wells57 said "I feel that in my bones," and honestly my bones were just tired of erasing and re-doing the math for the third time. My old notepad looked like a crime scene with all those crossed out numbers and coffee stains. I remember doing a calc for a house with a jacuzzi and a second kitchen and just stared at my page for 20 minutes wondering if I even remembered how to add anymore. Now I just plug in "jacuzzi of sadness" and "extra oven for burnt toast" and it tells me 200 amps in seconds. My handwriting is basically a secret code at this point, but at least the app doesn't judge me.

luna_wells571mo ago

I feel that in my bones, the old way was so stressful.