Commercial Kitchen Demand Load (NEC Table 120.56)

Calculate commercial kitchen cooking equipment demand factors (65%–100%) and the two-largest-unit floor rule per NEC Table 120.56 (220.56).

NEC edition

Inputs

units
kW
kW
kW

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⚡ Test your knowledge
NEC Article 220 was renumbered in the 2026 code cycle. What is the new article number?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 120
  • C. Art. 200
  • D. Art. 230
💡 NEC 2026 renumbered Article 220 (Branch-Circuit, Feeder, and Service Calculations) to Article 120.
Energy Management Systems were moved from Article 750 to which article in NEC 2026?
  • A. Art. 100
  • B. Art. 125
  • C. Art. 130
  • D. Art. 150
💡 NEC 2026 moved Energy Management Systems from Article 750 to Article 130.
Which NEC standard size overcurrent device comes after 90A?
  • A. 95A
  • B. 100A
  • C. 110A
  • D. 105A
💡 Per NEC §240.6(A), the standard sizes are …90, 100, 110, 125… There is no 95A standard size.

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How it works & the NEC rules behind it

Commercial kitchens in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and schools contain heavy electrical heating appliances (commercial deep fryers, convection ovens, griddles, steam tables, and booster dishwashers). NEC Table 120.56 (formerly Table 220.56) permits demand factor reductions on commercial cooking equipment.

Core Commercial Kitchen Calculation Rules:

  • 1. Scope of Equipment: Applies to all commercial electric equipment with thermostatic control or intermittent duty (cooking, dishwashing, food warming, booster heaters). Does NOT apply to general kitchen lighting, exhaust hoods, or walk-in refrigeration compressors (which are calculated at 100%).
  • 2. Demand Factor Tiers (Table 120.56):
    • 1 to 2 Units: 100% Demand
    • 3 Units: 90% Demand
    • 4 Units: 80% Demand
    • 5 Units: 70% Demand
    • 6 or more Units: 65% Demand
  • 3. Mandatory Two-Largest-Unit Rule (§120.56): The calculated demand load for the feeder or service must never be less than the sum of the two largest kitchen units.

Formulas & equations

Calculated Load (kW) = Total Connected Cooking kW × Demand Factor % (Table 120.56) Feeder Floor Minimum = Largest Unit kW + 2nd Largest Unit kW Final Feeder Demand = Max(Calculated Load, Feeder Floor Minimum)

NEC reference table

Number of Commercial Kitchen Appliances NEC 2026 Table 120.56 Demand Factor NEC 2023 Table 220.56 Demand Factor
1 to 2 Appliances100%100%
3 Appliances90%90%
4 Appliances80%80%
5 Appliances70%70%
6 or more Appliances65%65%

Worked example, step by step

Example: Sizing Kitchen Feeder for a Restaurant with 6 Commercial Cooking Units

Appliance Inventory: 2 × 12 kW Fryers, 1 × 15 kW Convection Oven, 1 × 8 kW Griddle, 1 × 10 kW Dishwasher Booster, 1 × 5 kW Steam Table.

  • 1. Total Connected Load: 12 + 12 + 15 + 8 + 10 + 5 = 62 kW.
  • 2. Table 120.56 Demand Factor: For 6 units, apply 65% Demand Factor: 62 kW × 0.65 = 40.3 kW.
  • 3. Two-Largest-Unit Check: Two largest units are 15 kW Oven + 12 kW Fryer = 27 kW.
  • 4. Final Kitchen Demand: Since 40.3 kW > 27 kW, the final kitchen feeder load is 40.3 kW (48.5A @ 480V 3Ø / 111.9A @ 208V 3Ø).

Frequently asked questions

YES. Any commercial electric appliance used for food preparation, reheating, or cooking with thermostatic control or intermittent duty qualifies under Table 120.56.

NO. Exhaust hoods and makeup air fans are motorized ventilation equipment governed by Article 430 and calculated at 100% continuous duty.

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