200 Amp Wire Size for MA

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Needle

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Perhaps I've been out of it for too long, but it was my understanding that you can still use 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 AL Triplex cable in 2' PVC for a service feed to the Meter/Disconnect. With that stated, wouldn't this transform into similar conductor sizes for feeding the main panel and include a EGC with these three, via a four wire cable. All I am finding for SE or SER is 4/0, 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 AL. Please advise. Thanks all
 
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Try you local supply house.
Big box stores carry what you're seeing but an electrical supply store should carry what you're looking for.
 
Needle said:
Thanks for the advice. I was actually looking for clarity on the actual wire sizes.
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4/0 Al is typical for 200amp service.
As for the neutral, I would get it full sized 4/0AL as well unless a load calculation was performed and maximum neutral current was calculated.
 
You can even fit 4/0-4/0-4/0-2/0 in 2" PVC. I prefer stripping the sheath of SE and SER.

I usually remove the bare from SER and use the insulated neutral in conduit.
 
The neutral can be as small as #2 if you do a load Calc. Most use 2/0, typically there is minimal unbalanced current. The egc size is sized for the 200 amp ocpd
 
Thanks guys. I was thinking of using the standard 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 triplex from weatherhead down to the meter/disconnect. I wanted to add an EGC from the meter/disconnect to the main, now sub panel. That combination of wire(SE/SER) is just difficult to locate. Is my sizing correct?
 
Needle said:
Thanks guys. I was thinking of using the standard 4/0, 4/0, 2/0 triplex from weatherhead down to the meter/disconnect. I wanted to add an EGC from the meter/disconnect to the main, now sub panel. That combination of wire(SE/SER) is just difficult to locate. Is my sizing correct?
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4/0, 4/0, 2/0, w/4 grnd
 
Thanks Curt
That’s what I am finding. I just find it odd that you can find 4/0, 4/0. 2/0 triplex for the line side of the meter but you can only find 4/0 neutral for the load side. Why is that
 
curt swartz said:
Your not going to find SER cable with a reduced "white wire" It will have 3-4/0 insulated wires and a 2/0 bare.
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I'm finding that out.
It's been a long time since I bought any 4 conductor SE so maybe I didn't even get what I wanted then. I don't remember.....
It just seems silly to have a full sized neutral and a way oversized EGC for a 200 amp sub-panel feed.
 
I agree
What do you normally bring in from the meter disconnect?
3 wire with no EGC or 4 wire?
I’m trying to complete the path from the two ground rods through to the main panel
Water main is plastic so there is a galvanized pipe next to the water main that I bug onto and then the water pipe, then to the main panel. Just seems like overkill
Do I actually need the EGC from the main panel if I have all that inside?
Thanks
 
Thanks for the clarity. I appreciate it
It relates to the 2020 code for sure.
Just seems odd you need a 4/0 EGC from the meter/disconnect
 
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