Different wire sizes from utility drop
WillieWonka
| Posted in General Discussion on
No one has been able to answer this question so finally, I’ll ask here. After just completing another Main electric service panel installation I ran into a situation that I still don’t understand. The AL wires coming from the utility pole seems to be a much small gauge wire than the 4-O AL that I need to install for a 200A service panel.
Now apparently the utilities much smaller wire can handle 200A, so why do I have to run the bigger 4-O wire when it seems a smaller guage the same size as the utility drop uses should work just fine.
If at first you don’t succeed, try using a hammer next time…everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Replies
A) because the it the utility company and they can make up their own rules.
B) what is the insulation used on the drops. Ampacity rating is really determined by the amount of heat that the insulation can withstand.
C) If it is tri-plex it has plenty of Air Cooling.
Really, it's all about heat? I'd not have known. Yeah, it's triplex they run around here. If at first you don't succeed, try using a hammer next time...everything needs some extra persuasion from time to time. -ME
Not quite all about heat. Bill gave the top three reasons. Reason labeled A is the principal one with its coralary, it's all about money.
Utility does not care all that much if voltage drop burns out every motor you own. They do care if their drops cost too much.
"Let's get crack-a-lackin" --- Adam Carolla
Here, and I think in many places, the PoCo is required to provide you with the nominal voltage +/- 5% at the service entrance. If they roast your motors, they're liable for the damage.
-- J.S.
>>"PoCo is required to provide you with the nominal voltage +/- 5% at the service entrance
Yes but I don't think that's under full load.
I gotta be honest, I don't know. But I don't think so.
Feel free to prove me wrong. ;-)
"Let's get crack-a-lackin" --- Adam Carolla