Commercial Kitchen Equipment Load Calculations: A Guide
Equipment load calculations determine whether a building’s electrical, gas, and structural systems can actually support a planned kitchen equipment lineup, and getting this wrong can derail a build-out after equipment has already been ordered.
What Load Calculations Cover
A complete load calculation accounts for electrical amperage draw, gas BTU demand, structural floor loading for heavy equipment, and ventilation exhaust requirements together.
- Total electrical amperage draw across all equipment
- Combined gas BTU demand for all gas-fired equipment
- Structural floor load capacity for heavy equipment
- Combined ventilation exhaust requirements
Why Load Calculations Matter Before Ordering Equipment
Discovering a building cannot support planned equipment after it has already been purchased leads to costly returns, restocking fees, or expensive utility upgrades.
Working With Engineers on Load Calculations
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Load Calculation Categories
| System | What Is Calculated | Who Typically Performs It |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical | Total amperage draw | Licensed electrician or engineer |
| Gas | Total BTU demand | Licensed gas contractor or engineer |
| Structural | Floor load capacity | Structural engineer |
| Ventilation | Exhaust airflow requirements | Mechanical engineer |