Learn what constitutes receptacle load in electrical systems. Prepare for the USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam with this clear, detailed explanation.
Table of Contents
Question
What is considered as the receptacle load?
A. The electrical current drawn by regulated and non-regulated receptacles
B. The electrical current drawn by the individual receptacle connected to a standby battery
C. The electrical current Which is non-regulated and has major impact on the load 0t the overall network
D. The electrical current drawn by all equipment that is connected to the electrical system via a wall outlet
Answer
D. The electrical current drawn by all equipment that is connected to the electrical system via a wall outlet
Explanation
receptacle load is the electrical load that is connected to the building’s electrical system through receptacles (also known as outlets or sockets). Receptacle load includes both regulated and nonregulated loads, such as computers, printers, monitors, lamps, refrigerators, microwaves, coffee makers, etc. Receptacle load does not include hard-wired equipment, such as lighting fixtures, HVAC systems, or elevators.
Receptacle load is one of the major components of plug and process loads (PPLs), which consume about 47% of primary energy in U.S. commercial buildings. Reducing receptacle load can help improve building energy efficiency and achieve LEED certification.
One of the strategies to reduce receptacle load is to use automatic receptacle controls, which are devices that turn off or reduce power to receptacles when they are not in use. Automatic receptacle controls are required by ANSI/ASHRAE/IES Standard 90.1-2019: Energy Standard for Buildings Except LowRise Residential Buildings, as well as NIH DRM 10.5.313.
Receptacle load refers to the total electrical current consumed by all devices and equipment that are plugged into wall outlets (receptacles) and drawing power from the building’s electrical system. This includes both regulated loads, which have a steady and predictable power draw, and non-regulated or “plug” loads, which can vary and spike in their power consumption.
Examples of receptacle loads include:
- Office equipment like computers, monitors, printers, and copiers
- Appliances like refrigerators, microwaves, and coffee makers
- Electronic devices like phone and laptop chargers, TVs, and projectors
- Portable fans, space heaters, and other small HVAC devices
When calculating the overall electrical load of a building for purposes like sizing conductors and planning electrical capacity, it’s important to account for the cumulative load of all receptacles, as this can represent a significant portion of the total power draw. The National Electrical Code (NEC) provides guidelines for estimating receptacle loads based on square footage and building type.
In the context of LEED and green building, reducing receptacle loads through strategies like choosing Energy Star rated equipment, providing occupant education, and using smart power strips can help lower energy consumption and earn points under the Energy & Atmosphere credit category.
To summarize, receptacle load encompasses all electrical current drawn by devices connected to wall outlets, both regulated and unregulated, and is an important factor to consider in building electrical design and energy efficiency efforts. The other answer choices are either inaccurate or only partially capture the full scope of receptacle loads.
USGBC LEED Green Associate certification exam practice question and answer (Q&A) dump with detail explanation and reference available free, helpful to pass the USGBC LEED Green Associate exam and earn USGBC LEED Green Associate certification.