If I have a 200 amp meter main installed in dwelling, and I am feeding a 200 amp panel in the house with 4/0 aluminum SER, do I have to ground the panel with the ground wire that is in the SER jacket, or can I run a separate #6 copper to the panel and use that? The SER comes with three 4/0 and one 2/0 wire. The only reason I’m trying to do this is there is not a spot in the 200 amp panel that can accept the 2/0 ground wire. I’m having to get a big enough lug and tap it to the case. It would just be cheaper and easier for me to run the #6 and not hook up the 2/0 ground in the meter main or panel. Not sure if it’s code to use a separate ground than what is supplied in the feeder assembly.
Grounding 200 amp panel from meter main service
- Thread starter crtemp
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Buck Parrish
Senior Member
- Location
- NC & IN
You're suppose to use the #2 . You can get a 2/0 lug that will screw to a grd bar. One with feet that goes in two holes or one that straddles the bar and screws in . Is the panel you're feeding a main breaker panel? If so you'll want to add a grd bar and isolate it as you already know.
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
They make lugs for your EG bar to accept the larger size. Buy one. I would be more impressed. So will the inspector.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
No for two reasons:
1. The EGC is supposed to be contained within the same conduit or cable jacket as the other conductors.
2. A #6 cu conductor is not large enough for an EGC for a 200a feeder; you'd need #4 cu.
I would think an accessory lug is cheaper and easier than running another wire.
1. The EGC is supposed to be contained within the same conduit or cable jacket as the other conductors.
2. A #6 cu conductor is not large enough for an EGC for a 200a feeder; you'd need #4 cu.
I would think an accessory lug is cheaper and easier than running another wire.
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Look at 300.3(B)(2) as well
On your #2 reason, isn’t #6 big enough per 250.122?
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
I see #6 is good for a 200 amp meter main. Table 250.122, but it still doesn’t fit your
installation.
installation.
LarryFine
Master Electrician Electric Contractor Richmond VA
- Location
- Henrico County, VA
- Occupation
- Electrical Contractor
It seems to be. Why have I always thought #4? Mayhaps from GEC sizing?
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Yup.
from what I’m reading in
not a circuit, a feeder right?
ptonsparky
Tom
- Occupation
- EC - retired
Not sure what your question is.
.300.3 (B) All conductors of the same circuit...
It would not matter if it is a Branch circuit or a Feeder. They must be in the same cable, etc. with some exceptions.
Roger that. Brain fart
kwired
Electron manager
- Location
- NE Nebraska
- Occupation
- EC
You can also use splicing devices that would allow for reducing the conductor size, but can not reduce it to less than 6AWG copper or 4 AWG aluminum.
- Location
- Bremerton, Washington
- Occupation
- Master Electrician
Trade name for that lug to fit the ground bar is a chair.
Eddie702
Licensed Electrician
- Location
- Western Massachusetts
- Occupation
- Electrician
@LarryFine
I usually use #4 for the EGC for 100a or 200a then you don't have to worry about "in a raceway" for #8 or "physical protection" for #6
I usually use #4 for the EGC for 100a or 200a then you don't have to worry about "in a raceway" for #8 or "physical protection" for #6
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