Meter box Wire sizing

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spiggs1

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I am wiring my own house for 200amp service. The meter box and service panel are about 7 feet apart. I ran #3/0 copper for the 2 hot wires. What size do I need for the neutral? I have enough #3/0 to do it but I can't get it to fit in the 2" conduit with the other 2 wires. I should add that it is schedule 80 pvc. also I have a 90 degree elbow and 90 degree bend in the conduit to go around.

[ June 24, 2003, 02:25 PM: Message edited by: spiggs1 ]
 
Re: Meter box Wire sizing

Spiggs
I suggest that you get a copy of the latest NEC and read Chap.9
You give to little information on insulation type and conduit type for an answer.
Also if you see the introduction to this boeard it is for contractors, engineers and electricians. I am sorry it is not a answer center,( No disrespect intended)
Electrical work is serious business.
 
Re: Meter box Wire sizing

Spiggs, one of our concerns here at the forum is what else are you not asking?
What type of conduit did you use? Is is bonded with a grounding bushing?
Have you pulled a permit? Some PoCo won't set the meter with out an inspection.
See if you can get a qualified electrican to assist you.
 
Re: Meter box Wire sizing

I would say the same, get a professional to help you with a service change/install.

What sticks out to me is the fact you say three 3/0s will not fit in 2".

If you looked here "Annex C Conduit and Tubing Fill Tables for Conductors and Fixture Wires of the Same Size" you would find that even if you used schedule 80 PVC (smallest inside diameter 2" pipe) that three 3/0s of any insulation type you should be using will fit.

And if you looked at Table 310.15(B)(6) you could have used 2/0s.

My feeling is if you do not know how to find the info in the code book for these simple things you will not be able to find the info you need for grounding and bonding.
 
Re: Meter box Wire sizing

Spiggs
It sounds like at least you knew the correct wire size for a 200 amp service but there is a lot to know when taking on a job like this and you should have someone advising you with that knolage.

Is this trade size 2" or is this what you have measured outside diameter. as the inside diameter is what conduit goes by. 3 3/0 should fit in there with no problem and if you ran a smaller conduit the min. is 2" trade size. also the pipe must be listed for electrical use and cannot be plumbing pipe.

Electrical conduit is actually 2.067" inside diameter.

and as others had said grounding sounds like it would be safe to do but one can get into big trouble when they dont understand how it done properly. as it can cause a danger of electrocution when the the bonding is not done correctly.
 
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