Another service entrance conductor question

Arky217

From what I've been able to read about it, 2/0 cu. seems to be sufficient for 200 amp service entrance conductors for a residence.

But I already have 50' of 3/0 cu. THWN wire.

Would this be OK for the hots & neutral to go from the meter box to the main service entrance panel for 200 amp service, or is it too much overkill ?

(However, even if it is overkill, I already have it and would not have to buy any 2/0 cu.)

What size ground ground wire should be used with these 3/0 cu. conductors ?

After I enter the wall (6" wall) from the meter box, I need to go up a few feet to the main panel so the panel is not so low to the floor.

Are there any special precautions to take running the wire vertical for a few feet ?

Thanks
Arky

rrolleston

3/0 is larger so it's ok. I use #4 stranded for ground on my 200 amp service installs.

You will need to use SE cable for the wire going from meter can to main panel or use conduit if using separate conductors.

If going inside a finished wall I would use conduit on the conductors to protect them.

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rrolleston

Just looked at your post again.

Do you mean for your ground rods?

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Arky217

Does the NEC require conduit for separate conductors in this instance.

I mean, it's just 2 feet; I don't mind using conduit but my concern is if I can find a gentle enough elbow that I can push those 3/0 wires through and that will fit within the 5.5" depth of the wall.

And on the ground wire; yes, I mean for going to the ground rod.

Thanks,
Arky

rrolleston

Separate conductors of any length have to be in conduit.

Use an LB inside the wall and you will have to leave an access panel so the cover can be removed in the future. Then go straight into the bottom of your main panel.

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Arky217

OK, but if I can get an elbow to work, I won't need to have an access panel, will I ? ( I can just see me trying to get those 3/0 wires to fit inside an LB)

What size conduit should I use; will 2" be big enough ?

And would pvc conduit be code compliant for this ?

Thanks,
Arky

rrolleston

2" PVC would be good. I used 2-1/2 for my project in my signature link 4/0-4/0-2/0-#2 that was a lot of fun. Almost wish I used 3"

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Arky217

Did you actually get those 4/0 wires through an LB within the depth of the wall ? (They're so stiff, I can't visualize how that's possible)

If using an LB, I can't see why you would need an access panel since there would be no conductor junctions within the box. Is an access panel in this instance required by code ?

Arky

kbsparky

You ain't going to find an elbow with a tight enough radius to fit within the confines of a 6" wall to accommodate #3/0 conductors. It ain't going to happen, without some Code violations.

Either use an LB out of the top of the meter box on the outside, and bring the conduit into the back of the panel, or use one in the wall behind the meter and below the panel. If you use it inside of the wall, you will need to provide an access panel, as an "LB" is considered an "access fitting"

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rrolleston

Possible yes. Easy not at all.

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Jaxx

Question concerning the wires running from the meter panel up to the service point on the roof:

Could somebody lay out the options I have for what type of wire/cable to use for this run? I read about the requirement for sun- and water-resistant wires.

THHN, THWN, SER cable?

If using SER cable, would I simply remove the jacket inside of the conduit, right before the weather head and then only run the individual wires through the holes on the weather head?

Thanks!

brric

SER is 4 conductor cable. From the meter to the service drop only needs 3 conductors.

Jaxx

This is what it says on the web about a type of SER cable:

Type SER - Service Entrance Cable:
"...service entrance cable is primarily used to convey power from the service drop to the meter base and from the meter base to the distribution panelboard"

I can also find SER (and SEU) cable with only two conductors.

Assuming I used the wrong term for this cable, my question is still how would a cable (multiple wires with a jacket) be routed up to and through a weather head?

Could somebody help me with my initial question, what all the options are for the run from the meter up to the service point? THHN, THWN, XHHW,...?

Thanks a lot!

rrolleston

Going up the weatherhead you only need SE cable three conductors you strip enough off the conductors to go through the weatherhead.

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Jaxx

The one in the middle or the one on the right?