For a one-family dwelling, the minimum rating for the service disconnecting means should be at least what amperage?

The minimum rating for the service disconnecting means for a one-family dwelling should be at least 100 amperes. This requirement is grounded in the National Electrical Code (NEC), which specifies that a service disconnecting means must be sufficiently sized to handle the expected load for a dwelling unit.

Selecting a rating of 100 amperes ensures that the electrical system can support common household loads, including lighting, appliances, and HVAC systems. This capacity is a standard to guarantee safety and functionality for modern residential electrical needs.

Using a disconnecting means with lower amperage may not accommodate the load requirements of today’s homes and could lead to circuit overloads, tripped breakers, or even fire hazards. Thus, 100 amperes serves as a baseline to provide a reliable and adequate electrical service for one-family dwellings.