100 amps vs 200 amps electrical upgrade

[Peter Morgan]

Hi ,

I have a three unit with 100amps,100amps and 60amps capacity in each unit with 60 amps in the lowest unit.Lowest unit doesn't have a kitchen so I am considering to install an electric stove there but stovesrequire atleast 40amps to 50amps besides a 220-240 volts line so an electric upgrade seems to be a must.Would it make sense to upgrade to 100amps or 200amps?Also Iam wondering if there are any other alternatives?

[Jon Holdman]

I would expect the cost difference for 100 amp vs. 200 amp to be minimal.  So, I'd go with 200 amps per unit.

Something else to consider is space.  Usually 200 amp boxes are usually bigger.  These days arc fault breakers are required for almost all rooms.  I've yet to find any narrow arc fault breakers.  So you need enough space to accommodate these wide arc fault breakers.

Electric ranges usually need a 50 amp, 240 volt (i.e., double wide) breaker.  Central AC and electric dryers also usually need double wide breakers.