RevisedResidential · Exam prep
Dwelling unit load drops to 2 VA per square foot
The minimum unit load for dwellings is now 2 volt-amperes per square foot. It covers lighting and general-use receptacles. On a typical house, that lowers the calculated service load.
2023 vs. 2026
2023 NEC
220.41
Dwelling units used 3 VA per square foot (33 VA per square meter) for the minimum unit load, set in 220.41.
2026 NEC
120.41
Dwelling units use 2 VA per square foot. Small-appliance, laundry, and other loads are still added separately.
What it means on the job
- A 2,200 ft² house now starts at 4,400 VA for unit load instead of 6,600 VA.
- Recheck service upgrades and EV charger additions on existing homes. More of them may fit without a bigger service.
- If your AHJ still enforces 2023, keep using 3 VA per square foot.
Why it changed
To add: the code-making panel’s statement from NFPA’s public Second Draft Report, in our words, with a link to the source.
Section numbers only. Read 220.41 in the 2023 NEC and 120.41 in the 2026 NEC in your own code books, and check which edition your AHJ enforces.