Anschlussleistung

Anschlussleistung, often translated as connected load, is the electrical input power that a device, equipment, or installation requires when it is connected to a power supply. The term is used primarily in electrical engineering and building planning to indicate the power demand that must be provided by the electrical system.

In practice, Anschlussleistung is specified on data sheets or nameplates as a power value, usually given in watts or kilowatts. For many devices, especially motors or appliances with inductive or non-linear loads, the stated value represents the nominal input power under normal operating conditions. Starting currents or peak surges can exceed this value, which is relevant for sizing cables, fuses, and breakers.

The concept is also used for planning and dimensioning installations. The total Anschlussleistung of a building or electrical installation is the sum of the connected loads that could be connected, and it informs the required service capacity, cable cross-sections, and protective devices. It is important to distinguish Anschlussleistung from actual energy consumption; the latter depends on usage patterns and load factors, and may be lower than the sum of potential connected loads.

Relation to other terms: Anschlussleistung generally refers to input power, in contrast to the device’s output power (Nennleistung) or to apparent power (S) and reactive power, which are relevant when considering power factor and efficiency. For practical purposes, the exact meaning can vary by device type and standardization, so specifications should be consulted for the precise meaning in a given context.