What is the specified size of the service entrance for a residence?

The specified size of the service entrance for a residence is 200 ampere service. This standard size is commonly used as it supports the electrical demands of modern homes, which typically include larger appliances, HVAC systems, and advanced electronic devices.

A 200 amp service provides sufficient capacity to handle typical residential loads, ensuring safety and reducing the risk of circuit overloads. This capacity also allows for future expansion if additional electrical appliances or systems are added to the home, such as electric vehicles or additional HVAC units, without requiring immediate upgrades to the electrical service.

While smaller sizes, such as 100 ampere or 150 ampere services, may be adequate for smaller homes or older structures, they may not meet the demands of contemporary living, leading to potential issues with inadequate power supply. A 300 amp service, on the other hand, is typically not necessary for standard residential use unless there are exceptionally high electrical demands. Thus, 200 amp service is recognized as the most practical and widely adopted standard for new residential electrical installations.