Define the term "residential service rating."

The term "residential service rating" refers to the amount of electrical load that a service can safely handle. This rating is crucial for ensuring that the electrical system in a residence is adequately equipped to support the appliances and devices connected to it without risking overload or potential hazards, such as fires or equipment damage.

Understanding the safe load capacity helps in determining the appropriate size of service panels, circuit breakers, and conductors needed for residential installations. It is essential for electricians and contractors to assess residential service ratings when designing or upgrading electrical systems to ensure compliance with code requirements and to meet the power demands of the household efficiently and safely.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately define residential service rating; they address different aspects of residential electrical work, such as cost, circuit quantity, or operational voltage, which are not related to the load capacity that is central to the definition of service rating.