I have a customer selling their home. Actually, it's been sold, they just want to fix the issues the home inspector highlighted. I'm not sure how or why he missed service issues, while looking inside the equipment to ascertain what materials would be needed, I noticed rust and wear in the 2: 200 amp main panels. I then looked inside the trough where the main service conductors were coming from. I noticed 6 wires entering the trough, attempting to run parallel feeders. One set had a split nut on it, and 2 more 4/0 aluminum wires attached. From there, one 4/0 wire went to one panel and then to the other 200-amp panel. This was repeated for the second phase and the neutral (240 volts, 400 amp). The ground ran from the water pipe to the panel and is 2/0 copper. It is connected to the 2, 4/0 aluminum neutrals and 3 #4 stranded bare copper conductors. I believe the meter socket only has one lug each phase, but without opening the box, I can not be sure. However, I wouldn't know why they would use split-nuts if there were 2 individual lugs for each phase. Because I voiced these concerns, they are trying to attack me professionally. Basically trying to tell the buyer I made up these issues and that another electrician said there were some issues, but nothing urgent to fix. I never pressed anyone into doing any work beyond what was quoted. I merely wanted to pass on information. Can anyone help me ascertain that these issues are important to address and that my concerns are valid? Any help would be appreciated.
400 amp residential service
- Thread starter jeff@qeas
- Start date
Usually, a 400A meter base has double lugs or a large lug rated for two conductors. The allowable size ranges should be stamped somewhere.
There is nothing wrong with dual 4/0s from the meter to each panel, or using a large conductor and then splitting it out to two 4/0s. Both methods are code compliant. Just because something wasn't done they way you would do it doesn't mean it's wrong.
From what you describe I don't see any code issues. Rust could be a problem, but don't know how bad it is.
There is nothing wrong with dual 4/0s from the meter to each panel, or using a large conductor and then splitting it out to two 4/0s. Both methods are code compliant. Just because something wasn't done they way you would do it doesn't mean it's wrong.
From what you describe I don't see any code issues. Rust could be a problem, but don't know how bad it is.
- Occupation
- Licensed Electrician
I don't think there's anything wrong either. Splicing wires in a trough is typical.
Greentagger
Senior Member
- Location
- Texas
- Occupation
- Master Electrician, Electrical Inspector
Depends on when splices(taps) were made . 230.46. 4/0 AL ok if calculated load is 180A or less.