100, 150, and 200 Amp Upgrades

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jeff48356

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Livonia, Michigan
If upgrading a service panel, I realize that I need to install two ground rods outside, as well as run a ground wire to a cold water pipe, correct? Is there a regulation on where exactly on the pipe that the ground wire should be attached?

Also, is it true that for 100-amp service I need to use #6 copper wire, and if 150 or 200-amp I need to use #4?

For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respect to the amperage of the new service being installed?
 
jeff48356 said:
If upgrading a service panel, I realize that I need to install two ground rods outside, as well as run a ground wire to a cold water pipe, correct? Is there a regulation on where exactly on the pipe that the ground wire should be attached?

Also, is it true that for 100-amp service I need to use #6 copper wire, and if 150 or 200-amp I need to use #4?

For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respec the amperage of the new service being installed?
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A #6 is good for a 200 amp service, however, around here the PoCo requires a #4. In a certain area around here a #6 is allowed only if its protected by conduit.
 
jeff48356 said:
For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respect to the amperage of the new service being installed?
Click to expand...

None that I know of but better check with the unreasonable/rediculous at times local AHJ.
 
jeff48356 said:
For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respect to the amperage of the new service being installed?
Click to expand...

Jeff on another note the service rating (amp rating) has nothing to do with the GE or the GEC.
 
Jeff I really recommend you grab a code book and read 250.24 and 250.50 to 250.70 it is not that much to read.

You need to get familiar with those sections before you start planing a service change.
 
dezwitinc said:
If you are talking about connection to a ground rod, the wire does not have to be larger than 6 CU or 4 AL for any size service. - 250.66(A)
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Again, in case you ever decide to move here...

Tulsa Title 52:
303.1: [...] The grounding electrode conductors shall be sized in accordance with NEC Table 250.66 , except that the minimum size shall be No. 4 solid copper.

Anyone else run into weird local rules like this? #4 solid is a bear to work with btw.
 
jeff48356 said:
If upgrading a service panel, I realize that I need to install two ground rods outside, as well as run a ground wire to a cold water pipe, correct? Is there a regulation on where exactly on the pipe that the ground wire should be attached?

Also, is it true that for 100-amp service I need to use #6 copper wire, and if 150 or 200-amp I need to use #4?

For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respect to the amperage of the new service being installed?
Click to expand...

Read 250-104 (a) for cold water pipe grounding. You may also want to check with your local inspector. In my local it's two 5/8" ground rods and #4 ground, also #4 to the cold water pipe.
 
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I find that the local power companies have more to say about grounding electrode systems than anyone around here. Check with the POCO about what they want. Then check the state code and the NEC.
 
jrclen said:
I find that the local power companies have more to say about grounding electrode systems than anyone around here. Check with the POCO about what they want. Then check the state code and the NEC.
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In my county the POCO "claims" the line side only. They provide the meter base.
 
B-Learner said:
5/8" Steel Rod & Buried 2 Feet Under Ground Horizontally
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Is that a local code? Horizontal burying is only permitted after pounding it straight down doesn't work.
 
jeff48356 said:
For ground rods, is there a regulation on copper vs. galvanized steel, and 1/2" vs. 5/8" with respect to the amperage of the new service being installed?
Click to expand...

If that ground rod has any iron in it (ferrous), it must be at least 5/8" diameter.
You can use 3/4" galvanized pipe...although I've heard that some jurisdictions don't allow it.

If it's made of stainless steel or other non-ferrous metal and listed, it can be no smaller than 1/2" diameter.

Any of them must be at least 8' in length.

The the ground rod diameter is not related to the size of the service (amperage).

Read 250.52(5).

steve
 
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