In telecommunication, the term demand load has the following meanings:

1. In general, the total power required by a facility.

Note: The demand load is the sum of the operational load (including any tactical load) and nonoperational demand loads. It is determined by applying the proper demand factor to each of the connected loads and a diversity factor to the sum total.

2. At a communications center, the power required by all automatic switching, synchronous, and terminal equipment (operated simultaneously on-line or in standby), control and keying equipment, plus lighting, ventilation, and air- conditioning equipment required to maintain full continuity of communications.

3. The power required for ventilating equipment, shop lighting, and other support items that may be operated simultaneously with the technical load.

4. The sum of the technical demand and nontechnical demand loads of an operating facility.

5. At a receiver facility, the power required for all receivers and auxiliary equipment that may be operated on prime or spare antennas simultaneously, those in standby condition, multicouplers, control and keying equipment, plus lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment required for full continuity of communications.

6. At a transmitter facility, the power required for all transmitters and auxiliary equipment that may be operated on prime or spare antennas or dummy loads simultaneously, those in standby condition, control and keying equipment, plus lighting, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment required for full continuity of communications.

Source: from Federal Standard 1037C and from MIL-STD-188