Loads, such as air conditioning and heating, that do not operate at the same time are said to be non-coincident loads. While separate circuits must be designed for each load, when calculating service load per NEC 220.60 only the _____ of two coincident loads need to be included.

In the context of calculating service load under the National Electrical Code (NEC) 220.60, coincident loads refer to those that occur simultaneously, while non-coincident loads do not. When determining the service load for coincident loads, only the larger load is considered, as it represents the maximum demand on the system at any given time. This principle recognizes that two loads that do not operate simultaneously, such as an air conditioning unit and a heating system, can be served by the same circuit without exceeding the capacity, provided that the larger load is accounted for in the calculations.

This method allows for a more efficient design, reducing the total service capacity required and ultimately facilitating cost-effective installations. By focusing on the larger load, it ensures that the circuit is adequately sized to handle peak demands without unnecessary over-sizing, which can lead to increased material costs and wasted resources. The NEC encourages this practice to streamline electrical installation procedures while ensuring safety and compliance with operational needs.