200 AMP SERVICE WIRE COPPER OR ALUMINUM CODE

The minimum wire size is a 4/0 AWG 200 amp service aluminum wire or a 2/0 AWG copper. What is the Minimum Size Service Entrance Conductor for a 200 Amp Residential Service?

The NEC provides several diameters for your reference in Chapter 9.

Lastly, select the size needed for your choice of conduit. For instance, a 350 feet run of copper will need 300 kcmil wires, while a 50 feet run of the same material will need 2/0 AWG.Īfter determining the wire thickness, we need to determine the cross-sectional area of the wires that we will use.ĭetermine the number of wires that will be used, calculate their total area using chapter 9 of the NEC, and check the maximum space allowable. The voltage drop must not exceed 3%, so the wires must be thicker for longer runs. Copper wires have better current ratings than aluminum ones, so copper wires may be thinner than aluminum wires.Īlso, the voltage drop must also be considered. Ways to Determine Conduit Size for 200 Amp Serviceįirst, to determine the 200 amp service conduit size, we have to know the wire used, especially the material. Having more than two 90 degree bends in the conduit will decrease the maximum allowable occupied space by 15%. Thus, the cable must only occupy 40% of the conduit.Īlso, the number of 90 degree bends in the conduit will also affect the conduit size. Usually, a 200 amp service entrance cable may be a triplex (3 wires) for single phase, or quadruplex (4 wires) for three-phase service.

200 AMP SERVICE WIRE COPPER OR ALUMINUM CODE

The US National Electric Code or NEC has the following specifications in choosing the minimum conduit size: These are the minimum, and local codes may have their own additional requirements on top of them. Factors Affecting Conduit SizeĪt the very least, conduit sizes are primarily determined by the number of wires, the conduit area that the contents of the wire will occupy, as well as the number of bends. It costs 5 times more than an overhead service, but looks better. It is also prone to damages caused by weather.Ī 200 amp underground service will use a service lateral conductor, where the service cable is placed in a conduit underground to reach the meter. This is cheaper than an underground electrical service, but not as good-looking. Both are acceptable types of electrical service that differ in price and looks.Īn overhead service will use a service drop conductor that will bring electrical supply from the power pole to the service entrance. Type of 200 Amp ServiceĢ00 amp services can either be overhead or underground. It’s a fiberglass conduit that’s also highly resistant to corrosion and is a good alternative to PVC. The last type commonly used is the reinforced thermosetting resin conduit, or RTRC. However, it is less stable under UV light, so it may be a poor choice under direct sunlight. It is non metallic and lightweight, with high resistance to corrosion and water leaks when glued correctly, making it a great option for underground and exposed areas. RMC conduits are connected using threaded fittings.įourth is rigid PVC conduit. This type is available in many trade sizes (from ½ to 6), but it is also expensive due to its strength.

Third is rigid metal conduit or RMC, which is made of galvanized steel, aluminum, or brass. It’s thicker than EMT and suitable for outdoor applications, all while being easy to handle. Next is intermediate metal conduit, or IMC.

It’s thin to the point that you can use a conduit bender for it however, it cannot be threaded and is best used indoors and in concrete. Here are some of the common ones used for service connections.įirst is electrical metallic tubing, or EMT. What is the Minimum Size Service Entrance Conductor for a 200 Amp Residential Service?ĭifferent materials can be used as conduits.Ways to Determine Conduit Size for 200 Amp Service.

200 amp service wire copper or aluminum