What should be considered when determining the total demand load of multiple buildings?

When determining the total demand load of multiple buildings, considering individual load factors for each building is crucial because it allows for a more accurate assessment of electrical demand. Each building will have its unique characteristics and usage patterns; therefore, the load factor reflects how much of the installed capacity is used in practice. This can include factors such as occupancy levels, operational hours, and the types of equipment used within each building.

By calculating the demand based on individual load factors, it is possible to account for variations in how the buildings are used. For example, residential and commercial buildings may have different peak usage times, and factoring these differences leads to a more precise total demand load. This approach aligns with the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which emphasize the need to evaluate each building's load characteristics when establishing overall electrical capacity requirements.

The other options do not provide a comprehensive view of total demand load. Relying solely on the largest building load could underestimate total demand, as it disregards the contributions of other buildings. Similarly, considering only the total square footage or the number of receptacles installed does not address the actual usage and load factors that influence electrical demand.