I am bidding my first house and was trying to find determine the kw ratings of the various items without having the name plates or manufactors data. Is there a general kva to use for items such as stoves, ovens, heat pumps, dishwashers and such. I have looked at all my books and can only find one on water heaters.
Thanks for the help.
Keith

Hi Keith,

I use a very loose method here in northern Illinois, where we have the highest electrical rates in the country. Most people have gas clothes dryers, gas ranges, and gas forced air heating. If they have air conditioning, electric dryer and electric range, it gets a 200 amp service. If not 100 amp. However, most communities around here now require a 200 amp service. A call to the local building department may simplify your solution. Of course there is no way to calculate according to appliances not yet purchased.

Keith,

Here's a link that contains "typical" wattage ratings for various appliances. I have found it useful in the past.
http://www.oksolar.com/technical/consumption.html