Are you interested to know What Size Copper Wire For 200 AMP Service? When building a 200-amp panel, the Natiosnal Electrical Code stipulates that copper wire must be at least 2/0 AWG and aluminum or copper-clad wire must be 4/0 AWG.
However, A licensed electrician should size the service cable because there are several things to consider. Additionally, they know all applicable municipal and federal electrical codes and license requirements.
As an electrician, I can’t overstate the importance of having the right wire size and grounding for functionality and safety.
What Size Copper Wire For 200 AMP Service?
Use #4/0 Aluminum or #2/0 Copper to securely use a 200 amp electrical supply! These are the safest wire sizes since you can use the entire amperage of your electrical service with them without experiencing an excessive voltage drop.
The 100′ Nassau is the ideal 200 amp wire if you’re looking for it for your next project. Aluminum Service Entrance Cable, 4/0-4/0-4/0-2/0. It is ideal for 200 amps by reading the reviews on Amazon.
Let’s examine the differences between copper and aluminum or aluminum with a copper coating. We’ll then discuss the variables to consider while selecting your wiring.
Copper Wiring
The best wire available is made of copper. It is perfect for wiring in any circumstance due to its strong conductivity, heat resistance, corrosion resistance, and flexibility.
However, installing copper might be more expensive and difficult. What you need to know about copper wire is as follows:
- High Conductivity: A naturally highly conductive metal is copper. The only metal that conducts electricity better is silver. You may use it across much greater distances and with a much smaller gauge than aluminum since it is excellent at conducting electricity.
- Heat and Corrosion Resistant: Although oxidation causes copper’s color to change, this change has no impact on copper’s functionality. The copper material resists corrosion and is durable. Additionally, it can withstand heat far better than aluminum. It holds its position because heat barely makes it expand or flex.
- Flexible: Because smaller copper wire strands are available, it is significantly simpler to bend and wrap without breaking.
- In the Long Run, Copper is again better for length and maintains its voltage over longer distances since it is highly conductive and durable.
Again, copper is arguably the greatest material for wiring, but there are some drawbacks that we’ll discuss in the section after this.
Aluminum
Copper is less conductive than aluminum, which reacts quickly to heat and corrosion. It would be best to have a greater gauge or thicker wire to compensate for the lack of conductivity.
But for a few reasons, aluminum is preferred by most electricians.
Copper has drawbacks: it is pricy, heavy, and more difficult to install. And for precisely this reason, aluminum is a popular material among electricians. The main advantages of employing aluminum wiring are as follows:
- Simpler Installation: Even when considering the higher gauge required for adequate conductivity, aluminum weighs significantly less than copper. Aluminum is a quick and simple material to install because of its lightweight. Aluminum is the answer if you need work finished quickly.
- Less expensive: Overall, aluminum is more cost-effective than copper. It functions properly and is reasonably priced.
How To Account For Sub Panel Being 100 Feet Away?
The voltage will decrease with distance while transferring energy from the sub-panel. It would help if you increased the initial amps to compensate for this loss.
Because of this, the wire you’re using must be able to handle more amps in the circuit.
How Much More Exactly?
According to the NEC 310-16 rule, you must increase the total amps for a 200 amp copper or aluminum wire by 20% for every 100 feet of distance.
Example: Consider the scenario when you want to use a 200 amp service 100 feet from the sub panel. We know a circuit like this needs wires with a minimum ampacity of 250A.
Additionally, to have the proper size wire for 200 amps at such a distance, we must raise the amps by 20%: 200 Amp Wire (100 ft away) = 250 A divided by 1.2 A equals 300 A Ampacity.
We must now locate a wire with a 300A ampacity or higher. The 350 KCMIL wire is ideal for 200 amp service 100 feet distant, as seen from the KCMIL list above.
That is a result of its 310A ampacity. Similar calculations can be performed for 50 feet (10% addition), 150 feet (30% increase), and 200 feet (40% addition), after which you can select the appropriate KCMIL wire.
Hopefully, this has made the size of the 200 amp wire a little obvious.
Cost To Install 200 Amp Electrical Service
Installing a 200 amp electrical service will always cost differently depending on various variables. These elements are detailed below:
- Electricians will base the wiring price on the going rate for their services in your area.
- Another element that might affect the price of installing a 200 amp electrical service is the size of the service box, whether it is a 100 or 200 amp panel.
- Another consideration is the labor required to move building structures or use drywall tools to prepare for the installation.
- Other considerations include whether the service is overhead or underground and any other services that come before or after it (circuit breaker panels, storm panels).
These lines can be installed for anywhere between $750 and over $3,000. Try this 200 amp Schneider Electric circuit breaker if you want one. Try this one from Siemens, which gets fantastic reviews on Amazon.
What’s The Difference Between 100 And 200-AMP Service?
The 100 amp service’s greater susceptibility to overloading is the primary distinction between these two amp services. Conversely, a 200 amp service has a higher overload capacity.
It would be best to ascertain how many amps of electricity are being used before deciding whether a 100 or 200-amp service is required.
You can make this conclusion with the assistance of an electrician, who can also install the proper wiring needed for your household devices and appliances.
Conclusion
I hope you know the size copper wire for 200 amp service. There are many things to consider while installing a 200-amp panel, from the wire’s material and length to the environment it will be installed.
According to popular wisdom, a 2/0 AWG copper wire or a 4/0 AWG aluminum or copper-clad wire must be used when building a 200-amp panel. What kind of wire you install is up to you if you only run the cable a short distance.
Copper wire is advised if you have a longer run because of its conductivity and heat resistance, which prevent voltage drop. Having a licensed electrician size and install your service is advised.
They know the proper permissions needed for the job and how to size the wire in line with local, state, and federal codes.
