Posted by Sophia on November 19, 2003 at 14:39:50:
I think you are asking about the quality of service between the different levels of service. I have an electronic engineering background not electrical. But I will offer my two cent explanation. Level of service is associated with the number of electrical items that can be working simultaneously. For example a small frig may need 10 amps, a stove 30amps, vacuum cleaner 7amps, and half a dozen lights on 6 amps. That a use of over 50amps. At this point the main breaker should have shut down service to everything. Remember all of these items are on at the same time. Is this likely? It depends if you have kids and who is paying the electric bill. 100 amps you should be able to support more items like a window AC unit, and maybe washer and dryer. 200 Amps even more items such as heat pumps. The cost is likely to vary with each locality. It will also depend if the power utility will charge an installation fee for the upgrade. You should be able to get that by calling them directly. The rest of the upgrade will require an electrician to visit your site. I suggest getting at least 3 quotes
Hope that helps.