Wire gauge or size is critical when constructing a 200-imps electrical line. For the professional installation, you will require a permit.
But the most important thing for you to know in the first place is what size wire for 200 amp service you rewire.
Today, in this article, we will thoroughly elaborate on the wire sizes for the 200 amp service.
The discussion also covers the need for gauges and conduits at various distances.
What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service?
For a 200 amp service, a #2/0 gauge copper wire or a #4/0 gauge aluminum wire is recommended. Always consult local electrical codes and a licensed electrician before making a final decision to ensure safety and compliance.
200 Amp Service Wire Size Chart:
| Feeder rating or service | Copper wire | Copper-clad aluminum wire or aluminum wire | Minimum Conduit Size |
| 200 amps | #2/0 ; 52.63 kcmil | #4/0 ; 33.10 kcmil | 1.5 inches |
What size wire for 200 amp service 100 feet away?
Almost all the companies’ charts for wire size recommend the #0 AWG wire for 100 feet away 100 amps service.
This type of wire is also referred to as 1/0 AWG wire. It has a capacity of 150 amps.
Therefore, a wire with a gauge of 0 AWG is the exact fit for a 100-amp service that is located 100 feet distant. However, if you want KCMIL wire, you have to go for 350 KCMI.
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What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service 200 Ft Away?
To have the most secured installation, for 200 amps service 200 ft away, our recommendation is the copper wire with a gauge of #2/0 AWG.
However, this is not the only option available. You can always use copper-clad wire or aluminum wire with a gauge of #4/0 AWG.
For the former option, there has to be a conduit that is at least 1.5 inches in diameter and made of schedule 40 or 80 PVC.
The more wires you want to run through the same conduit, the more the conduit diameter shall be increased.
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What size wire for 200 amp service 300 ft away?
Copper wire with a size of #2/0 is required for a distance of 300 feet and a service rating of 200 amps.
You may go with aluminum wire with a #4/0 AWG gauge instead if you find the copper wire to be too pricey.
For the installation, you will need a conduit that uses a schedule of 40 or 80 PVC. The conduit shall also have a diameter of 1.5 inches.
In some cases, you may need to obtain a permit in order to install a 200-amp circuit that is 300 ft away. You also have the option to employ an expert.
What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service 400 Ft Away?
Aluminum wires with 1000 kcmil diameters are needed for 400 amp service.
If you consider the copper wire, 600 kcmil wire will do the job at a maximum of 167 degrees Fahrenheit temperature. Also, the cost is always high for copper wire.
In order to prevent an excessively big voltage loss over that distance, you will need to use a very thick wire.
So, the cost will also be higher compared to ordinary installations.
So, ideally, you want to use a wire with an AWG of 10-13 for your 200 amp service 400 ft away.
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What size wire for 200 amp service 500 ft away?
For this, you will need 600 kcmil copper wire. And the conduit has to be at least 4″ PVC conduit with steel sweeps.
If you cannot afford the copper wire, you will need 500 MCM (kcmil) aluminum wire.
To complete the whole 200 amps and 500 ft away serve, the amount of wire will weigh close to 3000 pounds.
What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service Underground?
If the wire is of aluminum, you will require a wire with a gauge of #4/0. As an alternative, which is costly, you can use copper wire with a gauge of #2/0 AWG.
Whatever copper you use, always keep in mind that the conduit in use shall be more than 3 inches in diameter.
However, according to our experts, 3 inches can also be a good option for underground 200 amps services.
What size wire for 200 amp service from meter to panel?
You can use either aluminum or copper wire or aluminum wire as a money-saving option.
Any aluminum wire with a gauge of #4/0 AWG is fine for 200 amps service from meter to panel.
The minimum size is #1/0 AWG wire. But it is too risky as it may cause serious accidents and also disrupt with frequent power loss.
Use wire with a gauge of #2/0 AWG if you prefer the copper wire. In kcmil, 250 kcmil wire is our recommendation.
What Size Wire For 200 Amp Service Panel?
The ordinary code of wire to use for a 200 amps service panel is #2/0 copper wire that needs to have a conduit of 2 inches.
The electric code of your country may also set the bar for utmost safety.
For aluminum or copper-clad wire, there shall be a wire with a gauge of #4/0 AWG.
The MCM rating would be 211.60 kcmil. Overall, you have to choose wisely based on the electric code of your locality.
What size wire for 200 amp service entrance?
The installation of an electrical service rated at 200 amps requires a copper wire with a gauge of #2/0 AWG.
Alternatively, you can also use aluminum or copper-clad wire with a gauge of #4/0 AWG.
If you use this, there should be precautions for subterranean service. The conduit must be at least 1.5 inches in diameter and made of schedule 40 or 80 PVC.
If you are going to put three wires via the same conduit, it is advised that you use a conduit of 2 or 2.5 inches.
AWG vs MCM (kcmil)
There are two terms used to describe electrical conductors (cable cross-sections): the kcmil or MCM and the AWG. So, it implies that we can simply convert from AWG to kcmil and vice versa.
MCM
We also know it as kcmil. “Thousand circular mils” is the abbreviation for kcmil.
These cables can carry more than 200 amps at any given time and distance. Consequently, these are pretty large cables.
You start with a 250 kcmil wire and work your way up to a 300 kcmil wire. There is a 350 kcmil wire, then a 400 kcmil wire, and finally a 2000 kcmil wire.
AWG
We simply refer to American Wire Gauge is referred as AWG. These are typical cables that are designed for use for service up to 200 amps.
However, we can effortlessly use it for service of more than 200 amps.
The biggest wire in this category is #4/0 AWG wire or 0000 AWG wire. For the lowest, it goes down to the smallest of 40 AWG wire or even 44 AWG.
Choosing The Right Wire For 200 Amp Service
Copper Wiring is the go-to option
Copper wire is preferred by both homeowners and electricians, especially for branch circuits. Copper wire provides several advantages, such as
Conductivity advantage
Copper wire is the second most conductive metal after silver. Because copper can sustain a greater electrical load, a smaller gauge of wire may be used.
For the same conductivity, copper wire has a half-diameter advantage over aluminum wire.
Higher heat resistance
The conductive qualities make the copper wire stand tall among the types of wire. Compared to aluminum wire, copper wire has higher heat resistance.
Copper wire also never grows. So, the wire connections on lugs usually remain in their original position for eternity.
There is almost no risk of the copper wire contracting with outside elements.
No corrosion
Copper is a corrosion-resistant metal. This greenish-tarnished patina may alter the copper’s appearance.
But, the oxidation-induced patina has no effect on conductivity.
Flexibility
The strong conductivity of copper results in smaller wire strands. It makes the wire more pliable without increasing the danger of breaking.
Distance
Copper has highly conductive qualities and excellent resistance to heat. Copper conductors may be utilized across greater distances than other materials.
Aluminum wire is a good alternative: We also very often use aluminum wire. There are several advantages of this as well.
Less expensive
Aluminum wire is most commonly used since it is less expensive than other types of wire.
Producing aluminum conductors is a more cost-effective option than producing copper conductors.
Easy-peasy installation
These wires have a bigger wire gauge. They are also very easily bendable with the least amount of effort. Thus, they make the installation go more quickly.
Electricians also like this type of wire for its lightweight. Carry easily, bend effortlessly, and without any hassle for the gauge.
Thus, it reduces the expenses of both materials and labor. A very big advantage, right?
Risk of electric fire
Aluminum wiring is subject to expansion and contraction when exposed to heat.
So, the connection between the wires eventually becomes loose. It increases the likelihood of an accident and electric fire.
Aluminum service wiring, on the other hand, is not a single solid wire but rather a cluster of tiny solid aluminum strands. So, experts consider it safe for residential dwellings.
Copper-clad aluminum
It is the third option for you that offers some of the benefits and demerits of both the previous options.
Costlier than aluminum
Wiring made of aluminum copper-clad is superior to regular aluminum wiring but comes at a higher price.
Anti-corrosion
Copper-clad aluminum wire shields metal against corrosion. It does not require an antioxidant coating to connect to the power terminal.
Conductivity
When it comes to conductivity, copper-clad aluminum is right in the middle of the pack, if not slightly ahead of it.
Things To Consider For 200 Amps Service
Voltage drop
Voltage drop is the amount of power that is lost. A 120-volt circuit breaker should have no voltage drop when turned on.
As electricity travels down the line to your gadgets and appliances, it loses power. So, you may need a higher gauge of wire to reduce the voltage loss.
Distance
Copper wire is a good choice for power transmission spanning distances greater than 50 feet because of its low voltage drop. Less than 3 percent voltage loss may result in a distance over 50 feet by using #4/0 aluminum or #2/0 copper wire.
Copper wire with a greater gauge may be required to extend beyond 50 feet.
Consider the installation cost
The estimation of the cost may also influence what type or size you will use for 200 amp service.
It is quite difficult to provide an exact estimate for your 200 amp service.
We need to take a lot of things into consideration, such as the quantity of work that has to be done, the location, and the cost of materials in your region. Also, the cost varies a lot based on various factors, such as wire type, conduit, and expertise of the service provider.
The installation of an electrical service rated at 200 amps normally involves the installation of a service wire rated at 200 amps, a meter base, an electric panel rated at 200 amps, and the conduit.
The cost of a complete installation of a 200-amp electric circuit ranges from $2, 000 to $7,500. However the average estimated cost is $ 4,650. This cost range includes the following components and services:
Service panel for 200 amps service
The price for a 200-ampere Service Panel can range anywhere from $800 to $2, 100. Typically, most of the users pay an average of $1400 for the service panel.
Meter base for 200 amps service
The meter base price for any given 200 amps service fluctuates anywhere from $170 to $400 on average. But the most typical price is $275 for most Americans.
Service wire for 200 amps service
The typical cost for the service wire fluctuates anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000 on average, with $3,000 being the median price. People usually ten to cut the cost of a bite using aluminum wire.
FAQs About Wire Size For 200 Amp Service
What Wire Do You Use For A 200 Amp Service?
It is either the copper wire or copper-clad aluminum (or aluminum wire) you need for a 200 amps service.
Can I Use 2 Wire For 200 Amps Service?
No, you cannot. #2/0 and 2 wire aren’t the same. The difference is in their capability to handle amps. 94 Amps is the maximum capacity for 2 AWG, while 2/0 can handle up to 190 amps.
What Is Length Of Wire For 200 Amps Service?
If you use #4/0 aluminum wire or #2/0 copper wire, the ideal length is 100-150 feet. Aluminum 300 kcmil for 200 amps only allows up to 100 feet.
What Size Ground Rod For 200 Amps Service?
The recommended ground rod size is at least 5/8″ in diameter. The rod shall have a clump and has to be 8-10 feet long. It is necessary to drive the ground rod 8 feet under.
How Many Ground Rods For 200 Amp Service?
Usually, one ground rod does the job for most of the installation. But the resistance of the single ground rod has to be at least 25 ohms. If it is not 25 ohms, then you will need another ground rod. The distance between the two rods will be 6 feet.
Final Words
So, considering all the factors discussed above, determine what size wire for 200 amp service you want.
Also, consider the conduit size if you want to install multiple service wires through the same conduit.
However, you should not attempt to install wire rated at 200 amps on their own.
The wiring of a panel with a capacity of 200 amps is a large undertaking that must be carried out by an electrician who is both qualified and accredited.
