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Panel schedule and phase load balancing

Paste the panel load list to spread loads across the phases and see each phase and neutral current, the unbalance and the current the feeder and main breaker must carry.

Pre-sizing and estimating tool: results do not replace design, calculations or reports signed by a licensed professional, nor verification against the applicable codes and standards.

Pre-sizing
System

Three-phase four-wire wye system. Line-to-neutral voltage is line voltage ÷ √3: 120 V on 208 V, 277 V on 480 V.

Loads
See what was read

The phase column takes A, B, C (or L1, L2, L3) and pairs such as AB, BC, CA. Three-phase loads need no phase.

Moving loads between phases in an existing panel is electrical work: de-energize, lock out and verify absence of voltage (NFPA 70E, OSHA 1910.147).

—Feeder current (most loaded phase)
—

Demand by phase

Demand kVA on each phase, split into three-phase, line-to-line (half on each phase) and single-phase loads.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Phase and neutral current

Currents from phasor addition, taking each phase angle and each load power factor into account.

Tap the chart to see the values.

Panel schedule

Phase of each load (entered or chosen by the calculator), demand and current.

Next step

Take this page’s results to another calculator with the fields already filled in.

The calculation report gathers this page's inputs, results, equations, assumptions and references, with fields for project, engineer and revision. The full report also includes the charts and interpretations, in color. In the print dialog, choose Save as PDF.

Method, assumptions and references

Equations used

Demand of each load: S = P × DF ÷ PF; per phase: single-phase S on its phase; line-to-line S/2 on each phase; three-phase S/3 on each phase
Currents (phasors, A 0°, B −120°, C 120°): single-phase I = S ÷ Vln ∠(θ − φ); line-to-line I = S ÷ VL ∠(θxy − φ), in on one phase and out on the other; three-phase I = S ÷ (√3 VL) ∠(θ − φ)
Neutral: IN = |Σ line-to-neutral load currents|; unbalance = (I max − I avg) ÷ I avg
Automatic distribution: loads in decreasing kVA order, each on the phase (or phase pair) that leaves the highest phase lowest

Assumptions and limits

  • Balanced sinusoidal voltages; harmonics are not considered. Demand factors are entered by the user and applied load by load.
  • Feeder current is that of the most loaded phase. It includes no spare capacity and no NEC 125% continuous load rule; the cable calculator applies it.
  • The unbalance limit is a design criterion you choose; the NEC sets no number for phase balance.

Standards and technical documents

  • IEC 60364-3: Low-voltage electrical installations — Assessment of general characteristics
  • IEC 60364-5-52: Selection and erection of electrical equipment — Wiring systems (neutral conductor and harmonics)
  • NFPA 70, National Electrical Code 2023, Article 220 (branch-circuit, feeder and service load calculations) and 215.2
  • IEEE Std 141 (Red Book): Recommended Practice for Electric Power Distribution for Industrial Plants
  • Cotrim, A. A. M. B. Instalações Elétricas, 5ª ed., Pearson, 2009

U.S. regulations

  • NFPA 70 (NEC) Article 220 and 408.4 (panelboard circuit directory), as adopted locally
  • OSHA 29 CFR 1910.303 and 1910.305: electrical equipment and wiring methods
  • NFPA 70E: Standard for Electrical Safety in the Workplace

Frequently asked questions

What is a panel schedule?

It is the table listing the circuits of a panelboard with load, number of poles, the phase each one is on and the total per phase. It is used to size the feeder, the main breaker and the transformer, and to keep phases balanced. Use this calculator when laying out a new panel or adding loads to an existing one.

How do I fill in the load list?

One row per load: description, real power in kW, number of phases (1, 2 or 3), power factor, demand factor in % and, if known, the phase. Copy straight from your spreadsheet or download the template. For motors, use input power (rated ÷ efficiency) and nameplate power factor.

How do I read the example result?

The 13 example loads total 63 kVA of demand (57.9 kW) at 208 V. The most loaded phase carries about 185 A, and that is what sizes the feeder and main breaker; unbalance is 6%, under the 10% limit. The neutral carries only about 18 A because the 120 V loads split evenly.

What demand factors should I use?

NEC Article 220 gives demand factors for some loads, for example 220.44: receptacle loads at 100% for the first 10 kVA and 50% above that. Process motors and ovens are usually 100%. For existing panels, a month of metered peak demand (NEC 220.87) is the best basis.

How much phase unbalance is acceptable?

The NEC sets no number for panel balance. Many designers aim for no more than 10% between the most loaded phase and the average, the default here, which you can change. High unbalance forces an oversized feeder and raises neutral current.

Why is neutral current not the sum of the single-phase loads?

Because the three phases are 120° apart: equal currents on the three phases cancel on the neutral, and only the difference returns on it. The exception is third-harmonic current from electronic loads, which adds on the neutral instead of cancelling.

What does the calculator not do?

It does not apply NEC demand factors automatically, ignores harmonics and spare capacity, and does not size branch circuits. Take the feeder current to the wire size and breaker calculators, and have the final design reviewed by a qualified engineer.