two service drops/one service

[bnolen]

Due to the price and difficulty in obtaining 600mcm a contractor is wanting to forego a single 600mcm service drop and install two service drops of 4/0 aluminum. Perusing the 2008 NEC now, but thought I would give a shout out to the experts. NEC compliant to do this? Thanks.

 

[roger]

Was the 600 KCMIL going to be Aluminum?

Roger

 

[bnolen]

yes, 600mcm is aluminum. 4/0 will be run in parallel if allowed.

 

[mgookin]

Due to the price and difficulty in obtaining 600mcm a contractor is wanting to forego a single 600mcm service drop and install two service drops of 4/0 aluminum. Perusing the 2008 NEC now, but thought I would give a shout out to the experts. NEC compliant to do this? Thanks.

Why isn't POCO supplying the drop?

 

[roger]

yes, 600mcm is aluminum. 4/0 will be run in parallel if allowed.

Then the 4/0 parallels will be fine as far as the NEC is concerned.

Roger

 

[DeltaFarce]

Why isn't POCO supplying the drop?

I think it's just a little confusion in terminology.

When he says "1 service" he means 1 overhead line from the PoCo.
When he says "2 drops" I believe he means 2 parallel risers from the POA down to the service equipment.

Then the 4/0 parallels will be fine as far as the NEC is concerned.

Yup, it's very common around here to run (2) 2" PVC risers with 4/0 AL for 400A services. Easier than dealing with huge pipe and 600MCM's.