Computes the diversity factor of a group of loads sharing a feeder, transformer, or panel — the ratio of the sum of each load's own individual (non-coincident) maximum demand to the group's actual coincident maximum demand. Because individual loads rarely all peak at the same instant, this ratio is normally ≥1, and is the basis for not sizing shared equipment as the simple sum of every downstream peak.
Standards followed
Standard diversity-factor relation used in distribution/feeder planning: DF = ΣMD_individual / MD_system (reciprocal of the 'demand factor' concept used by the Maximum Demand calculator)
What it can do
- Compute mode: enter the sum of individual peaks and the actual coincident (system) peak to get DF and the non-coincidence saving.
- Solve-for-system-demand mode: enter the sum of individual peaks and an assumed/typical DF to estimate the coincident demand.
- Solve-for-sum mode: enter the coincident demand and an assumed/typical DF to back into the sum of individual peaks.
- Grading band from LOW to VERY HIGH diversity for a quick sanity check against typical utility/feeder-planning DF ranges (roughly 1.1–2.5 depending on load mix).
Example problem
Five houses on a shared service transformer, individual peaks summing to 850kW, actual coincident transformer peak 620kW.
- DF = ΣMD_individual / MD_system = 850 / 620 ≈ 1.37
- Non-coincidence saving = (850−620)/850 × 100 ≈ 27.1%
DF ≈ 1.37 (TYPICAL band) — the transformer only needs to be sized for 620kW, not the 850kW sum of every house's own peak.
A typical/assumed diversity factor used to solve for an unknown demand should come from utility planning data, historical metering of a similar load group, or a recognized planning guide for the load category — the grading band here is a general sanity check, not a substitute for that data.