Electrical Load Planning for MEP Systems: A Practical Guide to Building Services Power

The electrical infrastructure is the lifeblood of any modern building, and the Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) systems are, unequivocally, the largest consumers of that power. Yet, the critical discipline of electrical load planning—the art and science of accurately predicting and designing for the structure's power demand—often remains an area where guesswork and excessive conservatism prevail. This practice leads directly to the costly over-sizing of transformers, switchgear, and conductors, resulting in wasted capital, increased system losses, and a larger carbon footprint.
Electrical Load Planning for MEP Systems: A Practical Guide to Building Services Power Demand is born from the need to bridge the gap between theoretical electrical engineering principles and the practical demands of integrated building design. It is a comprehensive, hands-on resource that demystifies the calculation of connected and peak electrical loads, focusing specifically on the high-demand equipment that defines the modern built environment.
Our objective is to move beyond simple connected load tables. We delve into the critical application of Demand, Diversity, and Coincidence Factors, particularly as they apply to variable-speed motors, complex HVAC equipment, and mission-critical systems. By meticulously breaking down the power requirements for chillers, air handling units, pumps, and fire systems, this book equips the reader with the tools to perform accurate, defensible, and cost-effective load calculations.
This guide is designed to empower engineers, designers, and project managers to achieve true system optimization—ensuring safety and reliability without sacrificing efficiency or fiscal responsibility.