Minimum conductor size needed

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John Brennan

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I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I have a contractor doing a 200 amp 120/240 volt single phase underground service approximately 650 ' and he ran 2 conductors (250 MCM Aluminum for the hots) and 1 3/0 Aluminum for the neutral (a total of 3 conductors) all in a 2 1/2" PVC conduit.
I think the wire size is to small for that long of a distance can anyone give me some input on what the proper minimum size conductor would be?
Thank you
 
John voltage drop is dependent on load. Generally a 200 amp service doesn't draw near 200 amps and mostly it is probably under 100 amps.

There are many online calculators so if you wanted a load of 200 amp you would have a 17 volt drop-- alot however you will probably never be that high.

Even at 100 amps there is an 8 volt drop (7%)

IMO, it is a bit small
 
John Brennan said:
I was wondering if someone could help me out.
I have a contractor doing a 200 amp 120/240 volt single phase underground service approximately 650 ' and he ran 2 conductors (250 MCM Aluminum for the hots) and 1 3/0 Aluminum for the neutral (a total of 3 conductors) all in a 2 1/2" PVC conduit.
I think the wire size is to small for that long of a distance can anyone give me some input on what the proper minimum size conductor would be?
Thank you
Click to expand...

I agree with the second poster that it seems a little small but it does not violate the NEC.

Most times a 200 Amp service won't see anywhere near 200 Amps so VD may never be an issue.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
John voltage drop is dependent on load. Generally a 200 amp service doesn't draw near 200 amps and mostly it is probably under 100 amps.

There are many online calculators so if you wanted a load of 200 amp you would have a 17 volt drop-- alot however you will probably never be that high.

Even at 100 amps there is an 8 volt drop (7%)

IMO, it is a bit small
Click to expand...

Something about 8 volts and 7% doesn't seem right.
 
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