True.
To understand why this statement is true, we need to refer to the guidelines provided by the National Electrical Code (NEC). Specifically, the NEC provides a method for estimating electrical loads in cases where the exact number of receptacles cannot be determined.
Here's a step-by-step explanation:
1. General Lighting Load: The NEC requires a certain amount of electrical load to be accounted for per square foot in a building. This load is intended to cover general lighting needs.
2. Receptacle Load: Receptacles are outlets where electrical devices can be plugged in. When the number of these receptacles is known, the load calculation can be based on the actual number of receptacles. However, when the number of receptacles is unknown, provisions must be made to ensure there is adequate capacity for potential electrical use.
3. Estimating Receptacle Load: According to the NEC, if the exact number of receptacles is not known, an additional load of 1 VA (Volt-Ampere) per square foot can be used to estimate the receptacle load. This method ensures that the circuit will be sufficiently sized to handle the potential load from receptacles, even when their number is not precisely known.
4. Combining Loads: This estimated receptacle load (1 VA per square foot) is then added to the general lighting load to arrive at a total load that the electrical system must support.
Therefore, the statement that "if the exact number of receptacles is unknown, the receptacle load can be calculated by adding 1 VA/ft² to the general lighting load" is accurate according to NEC guidelines. Hence, this statement is True.
