MEP Calculator Worked Examples
Sample calculation scenarios showing how I Love MEP tools should be used for preliminary planning and checking.
HVAC chilled water pipe check
Scenario: A 120 TR chilled water branch uses 5.5 deg C delta T, 125 mm internal pipe diameter, 90 m equivalent length, and 10% flow margin.
Expected output: The calculator reports cooling kW, required flow, pipe velocity, approximate friction head, and velocity status. The result is suitable for early coordination before detailed hydraulic balancing and pump curve selection.
Electrical breaker planning check
Scenario: A 45 kW three-phase load at 400 V and 0.90 power factor is checked with a planning margin before final protection selection.
Expected output: The calculator reports load current, design current, and a recommended breaker rating. Final design still requires cable ampacity, trip curve, selectivity, fault level, and local authority review.
Fire water storage planning check
Scenario: Sprinkler and hose demand are combined with duration, usable volume, and refill allowance to estimate gross fire water tank capacity.
Expected output: The calculator reports net fire demand, required usable storage, gross tank volume, and refill rate. Final values must follow approved hydraulic calculations and authority requirements.
Plumbing drainage slope check
Scenario: A drainage pipe run is checked for slope percentage, pipe fall, end invert level, and minimum planning slope.
Expected output: The calculator reports fall in meters and millimeters, gradient, end invert, and slope status. Final drainage design should check pipe diameter, fixture load, self-cleansing velocity, inspection points, and authority rules.