What is the VA that should be used for laundry branch circuits during calculations?

In residential electrical design, branch circuits for laundry equipment are typically calculated using a specific VA (volt-ampere) rating to ensure sufficient capacity for the appliances in use. The correct value to use for laundry branch circuits is 3000 VA, which accounts for the needs of modern washing machines and dryers, including their peak operational demands.

This value is chosen to provide a balance between safety and functionality. Household laundry appliances can draw a significant amount of power, especially during peak usage such as during spin cycles or heating elements in dryers. Calculating with 3000 VA ensures that the circuit can handle the load without overloading, thus maintaining safety and compliance with the National Electrical Code (NEC).

Choosing a value lower than 3000 VA could risk underestimating the load, potentially leading to circuit tripping or failure. A higher value would unnecessarily increase the gauge requirements and installation costs without providing additional benefit, as 3000 VA is deemed sufficient for standard residential laundry setups.