Hi all,
Looking for some input. Planning to upgrade my homes electrical service to a 200 amp overhead. Trying to determine the best option for the electrical wire to use for the service lines. I know I can use 3/0 Copper but it’s way too expensive and not really necessary. So my other options from what I’ve found are 4/0 Aluminum, 4/0 Copper Clad Aluminum, and 250 MCM Aluminum. My understanding is 4/0 is not a true 200 amp, but along the lines of 189 Amp. 250 MCM Aluminum is a true 200 as is Copper Clad Aluminum. I would easily go with 250 MCM Aluminum but I’ve heard it might not fit in 2″ schedule 40 PVC conduit. Is that correct that it won’t fit? My dilemma is I’ve already purchased the 2″ conduit and the mast and meter socket have been installed at the side of my house, so I can’t return the conduit. I believe 4/0 Copper Clad Aluminum would fit in 2″ conduit but it doesn’t seem to be a common service wire electrical supply stores tend to carry and I don’t know if pricing is going to be more along the lines of true copper for that wire anyhow.
I’m based out of Ontario Canada, not sure if that might be of relevance to help better answer my questions.
Can anyhow answer my question re: 250 MCM fitting in 2″ PVC? Would be possible/to code to do 25o MCM Alu blacks x 2 and 4/0 Alu White and would that make it feasible fit?
Appreciate any suggestions and information.
Thank you,
Peter
Replies
can't answer for Canada, but 4/0 should be fine for a 200amp service entrance. 2" conduit should hold 3 250mcm wire. You cannot reduce the size of the neutral. If you have a possibility for solar in the future, a 200A panel should have a 225A bus.
https://www.altestore.com/blog/2018/11/grid-tied-solar-breaker-box-120-percent-rule/#.YviMqC1h1eg
Hi Mike, thanks for the feedback. Never thought about the Solar part or even knew that would pose an issue. Definitely worth knowing and thinking about, never know what the future has to hold and the possibility of renewable energy upgrade.
Code here in Small Town California is fine with 2" and 4/0 aluminum for all three runs. I did a 400A service and required 3" using three parallel runs of 4/0. Hope that helps. Good luck!