Load schedule fields in Australian switchboard work
How Australian load schedules keep board labels, load basis, phase allocation, demand assumptions and source notes traceable.
What a load schedule holds
In Australian switchboard work, a load schedule is a structured list of electrical loads, units, phase context and supporting assumptions. It helps a switchboard or project file show what values were used before maximum-demand, current or phase-balancing checks.
The schedule is useful because it keeps numbers attached to their source. A current value from a nameplate, a kW value from a design note and a kVA value from equipment data should not look the same once they move into a worksheet.
Fields that make the schedule reviewable
The most useful schedules keep each load row tied to a board label, load description, quantity, power or current basis, phase allocation, duty factor or diversity assumption, and source note. That structure makes later calculations easier to check.
Without those fields, values can be copied into the wrong calculator or reviewed without the assumptions that created them.
| Field | Why it belongs in the schedule | Calculation it supports |
|---|---|---|
| Board or circuit label | Ties the load to the right switchboard, DB or section. | Maximum demand, phase balancing and spare capacity. |
| Load description | Explains what the row represents. | Later review of duty, source and exclusions. |
| Quantity | Shows how many identical items the row covers. | Connected load and phase total checks. |
| Power or current basis | Shows whether the row starts from W, kW, VA, kVA or measured A. | Load-current conversion and unit checks. |
| Phase allocation | Separates single-phase, three-phase and distributed load values. | Phase balancing and neutral-current review. |
| Duty factor | Shows whether the full connected value is expected to contribute. | Maximum-demand worksheet. |
| Source note | Names product data, measurement, drawing or design assumption. | Qualified project review. |
Example row structure
| Field | Example entry | Where it may go next |
|---|---|---|
| Board and circuit label | DB-1, final subcircuit or load group reference. | Load schedule fields table. |
| Load basis | 2 x 18 A single-phase loads at 230 V, source noted. | Load-current calculator where conversion is needed. |
| Phase allocation | One row on L1 and one row on L2, or a balanced three-phase row across L1/L2/L3. | Phase-balancing calculator. |
| Duty factor | 80 percent entered duty factor for the demand review. | Maximum-demand calculator. |
| Phase total | L1 = 18 A, L2 = 18 A, L3 = 0 A before balancing. | Highest phase and phase total review. |
| Source | Product data, measurement, design schedule or project note. | Licensed or engineering review where required. |
This row structure keeps the number, phase and assumption together before the value moves into demand, cable or phase-balancing work. Use the same discipline for 400 V three-phase rows and keep 50 Hz equipment context visible where product data depends on it.
Next checks
- If the schedule is still being assembled, confirm units and source notes before calculating.
- If load groups and assumptions are ready, move them into the maximum-demand worksheet.
- If single-phase rows are spread across a three-phase board, compare phase totals before relying on one board total.
- If the result affects switchboard work, wiring, protection or connection conditions, keep licensed project review and current documents in control.
Boundaries
- A load schedule structure does not create a complete project schedule by itself.
- It does not decide demand factors, diversity assumptions or protection settings.
- It does not replace measurements, equipment data, drawings, DNSP conditions or qualified review.