(Part of our ongoing series comparing features in Revit MEP and Design Master to make it clear why our software is better.)

The Problem: NEC 220.56 is Complicated

The NEC defines a lot of tricky and subtle demand factors for different types of loads. The demand factor for commercial kitchen equipment loads, as described on Unclutterer, and defined in NEC 220.56 is a complicated example.

In general, the demand factor is based upon table 220.56, which specifies a demand factor based upon the number of units of equipment. One piece of equipment has a 100% demand factor, while six or more have a 65% demand factor.

There is an exception to the table that is stated in the second paragraph of NEC 220.56. The total load for the kitchen equipment has to be at least as large as the sum of the two largest kitchen equipment loads.

In Design Master Electrical, Handled Automatically

In Design Master Electrical, that’s not a problem. You specify which loads are commercial kitchen equipment. The software counts them up and applies the appropriate demand factor. It also checks the total against the two largest and makes sure it is at least that big.

In Revit MEP, Not Possible

In Revit MEP, you can’t do this. You can create a demand factor for kitchen equipment that mirrors table 220.56. You cannot then apply a minimum based upon the two largest loads. You have to manually check for this situation.  If it occurs in your project, you will have to do your calculations separately in Excel or something similar.

Request a Free Demonstration and 30 Day Trial

That’s just one of many ways Design Master Electrical is better than Revit MEP. Request a free demonstration to learn more about our software.