Panel Schedules, Load Calculations, and Circuit Management
Build the panel correctly
Panel schedules depend on a properly configured electrical equipment family with the right number of circuits, voltage, phases, and distribution system. A frequent trap: changing the number of circuits after circuits are assigned can drop or renumber loads. Understand panel schedule templates, branch circuit vs. switchboard schedules, and how to control columns and grouping.
Loads and calculations
Know connected load, demand load, and calculated load, and how load classifications and demand factors convert one to another. Understand that Revit reports loads per the settings; it does not perform code compliant calculations for you. Questions often test whether you know demand factors are user-defined and that total demand depends on the assigned classification.
Circuit management
Manage circuits through the panel schedule and the System Browser. Understand circuit naming, balancing phases, and how spare and space circuits reserve capacity. A trap is assuming moving a circuit between panels preserves numbering; it does not, and loads recalculate.
Rule of thumb
When totals look wrong, check in order: connector loads, load classification assignment, demand factor settings, and whether devices are on the intended panel.
Worked example
A panel shows zero demand load despite connected load. The loads lack a load classification with a demand factor, so demand calculates as zero until classification is assigned.