200 Amp service 170’ away from the meter/disconnect.

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BD1

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Colorado
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Home Builder
I have a local electrician (Colorado) stating that 4/0 - 4/0 - 2/0 AL underground triplex is acceptable for a 200 Amp service that is 170’ away from the meter/disconnect. My calcs come up with 300 mcm AL for a voltage loss of just under 5%. Any assistance is appreciated.
Thanks
 
Using 150 amps I get #4/0 Al with 2.5% VD using the Southwire VD calculator. For the full 200 amps 250 kcmil will get you 2.91%.
 
I was able to get my bosses vacation house to hit 200, but that was everything that I could turn on running. Pool, Jacuzzi, A/C's (six MrSlims) four waterheaters, all of the lights (incandescent at that time, I have converted everything to led now)
 
BD1 said:
I have a local electrician (Colorado) stating that 4/0 - 4/0 - 2/0 AL underground triplex is acceptable for a 200 Amp service that is 170’ away from the meter/disconnect. My calcs come up with 300 mcm AL for a voltage loss of just under 5%. Any assistance is appreciated.
Thanks
Click to expand...
I feel like I'm a kid trying to play with the older kids by commenting on this, but here it goes...

The 5% VD loss is only a recommendation and is not enforceable. The only way it can violate the NEC is if said loss results in an operating voltage outside of the range of manufacturer's specifications per NEC 110.3(B).

That being said, your equipment will theoretically run better and last longer the closer you are to a "pure" operating voltage as specified by the manufacturer.

Neither of you are technically "right" or "wrong" as far as VD is concerned.
 
retirede said:
I would have to disagree. I believe the OP’s VD calculation is incorrect. As others have stated.
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My statement that "neither of you are technically 'right' or 'wrong'" was never intended to be a validation or a condemnation of anyone's calculations. I didn't check anyone's math and never intended to.

My comment was intended to address the fact that, according to code requirements as they relate to voltage drop, there is no definitive "right answer" between the OP and the EC he/she is working with (aside from potentially violating 110.3(B))... that they could both get different VD results and technically neither would be a violation of the NEC (again, aside from potentially violating 110.3(B)).
 
Jerramundi said:
My statement that "neither of you are technically 'right' or 'wrong'" was never intended to be a validation or a condemnation of anyone's calculations. I didn't check anyone's math and never intended to.

My comment was intended to address the fact that, according to code requirements as they relate to voltage drop, there is no definitive "right answer" between the OP and the EC he/she is working with (aside from potentially violating 110.3(B))... that they could both get different VD results and technically neither would be a violation of the NEC (again, aside from potentially violating 110.3(B)).
Click to expand...

Thanks for clarifying.

When you said “technically”, I presumed that meant “from a technical perspective”.
 
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