Electrician's Licensing Practice Exam

Can NEC Table 220.42 be used to calculate lighting loads in a restaurant dining area?

1. Yes, it can be used

2. No, demand factors do not apply to this table

3. Only for specific lighting situations

4. Only for residential areas

The correct answer is: No, demand factors do not apply to this table

NEC Table 220.42 is a specific part of the National Electrical Code that provides load calculation factors for general lighting in different types of occupancy. While this table may seem applicable, in the context of restaurant dining areas, it is important to recognize that demand factors and specific load adjustments outlined in Table 220.42 do not take into account the unique operational characteristics of commercial spaces such as restaurants. In commercial settings, including restaurants, lighting loads are usually determined by considering the actual lighting fixtures in use, the intended use of the space, and typical practices for dining areas. This means that for accurate load calculations in these environments, other methods and guidelines should be utilized to account for variable factors like occupancy patterns, ambient lighting needs, and the variability of lighting used during different times of the day. Therefore, while NEC Table 220.42 is indeed a valuable resource for calculating general lighting loads, it is not suitable for use in dining areas of restaurants due to the nature of commercial loads and the specific requirements they pose.