How is the general lighting load calculated for a store with an area of 12,000 square feet?

To calculate the general lighting load for a commercial space like a store, a common method used is based on the square footage of the area being illuminated. In many cases, the National Electrical Code (NEC) suggests using a standard load factor to determine the total lighting load.

For a commercial establishment, the load is typically calculated using a value of 3 VA per square foot. In this situation, with a store area of 12,000 square feet, the calculation would be:

12,000 square feet × 3 VA/square foot = 36,000 VA.

This total reflects the expected lighting load necessary to adequately illuminate the store's interior, providing sufficient brightness for shopping and safety.

Using this method confirms that the calculation aligns with industry standards for commercial spaces, leading to the conclusion that the general lighting load for the store is indeed 36,000 VA.