Electric clothes dryer load (5,000 VA minimum)

What the code requires

In a standard-method dwelling load calculation, each household electric clothes dryer is counted at 5,000 W (VA) or its nameplate rating, whichever is larger. For this calculation, kVA is treated as equal to kW. The optional calculation in 220.82 instead counts a dryer at its nameplate rating within the general loads.

Where a feeder or service supplies several dryers, as in a multifamily building, the Table 220.54 demand factors may be used: 1 to 4 dryers at 100%, 5 at 85%, 6 at 75%, 7 at 65%, 8 at 60%, 9 at 55%, 10 at 50% and 11 at 47%.

For larger groups, 12 to 23 dryers start at 47% and drop 1% for each dryer over 11; 24 to 42 dryers start at 35% and drop 0.5% for each dryer over 23; 43 or more use 25%.

When two or more single-phase dryers are supplied by a 3-phase, 4-wire feeder or service, the total load is based on twice the largest number of dryers connected between any two phases.

On the job

• Because 5,000 VA is the minimum, a calculation done before a dryer is chosen still carries at least 5,000 VA for it.
• The neutral (unbalanced) load for dryers is figured separately under 220.61(B)(1), which allows a reduction from the full dryer demand.
• The 2026 NEC changes this table, but California's 2025 code is based on the 2023 NEC, so the values above are the ones that apply in California.

In California

In new one- and two-family homes, the 2025 CEC requires a dedicated electric-dryer circuit (422.3, per Energy Code 150.0(v)) and a panel breaker space for it (408.2(B)). In new multifamily units, 422.3 requires the dedicated circuit per Energy Code 160.9(c).

Related sections

• NEC 220.14: Load values for receptacles and other outlets
• NEC 220.61
• NEC 220.82: Optional load calculation for a single home
• NEC 422.3: California: electric-ready water heater, cooktop, dryer
• NEC 408.2: California: reserved breaker spaces in new homes

Where this comes from

• Electrical License Renewal: 120.54, page showing 2023 code language
• 2014 NEC Article 220 text (IEEE section copy)
• Mike Holt: Summary of the 2023 changes to the NEC
• Mike Holt, EC&M: Load calculations, part 2
• Read the official NEC free at NFPA