Notes that laboratory equipment loads can vary from 2 W/ft2 (21.6 W/m2) to more than 60 W/ft2 (648 W/m2), with use or load diversity factors ranging from less than 10% to almost continuous. The primary challenge to a laboratory designer is to correctly assess the laboratory equipment loads for sizing the mechanical system. Presents guidelines on what we need to know about equipment loads. In addition discusses what we don't know. Explores ideas and recommendations on how laboratory owners/users and equipment vendors can help fill the information gap.

KEYWORDS: year 1996, Laboratories, heating, ventilation, air conditioning, sizing, equipment providing heat