[KansasCity]

I am changing our panel to 200 amp service and in the process updating all of the service entrance*to match load and code.* In my area, the owner occupant is allow to pull permit and complete this work.* So far it has brought a lot of joy to me to learn the process and code.

Questions:

1. I plan to run SEU wire from the weatherhead to the meter box and also SEU wire from meter box to the indoor panel.* Is there any reason I should choose SER over SEU wire? I am planning to use 4/0-4/0-4/0 Aluminum SEU.

2. Due to the narrow pathway on the side of my house where the service enters, my local power company wants me to mount the new meter box centered at 6'6" (the current height of old meter box).* We will not have an electrical disconnect*outside.Can I use a PVC as a physical protection sleeve into the building, but no PVC once the SEU wire enters the house until the panel (about 1' of inside wire length before panel)?**

Attached photos show old (current) setup.

 

[HandyAndyInNC]

I do not like using aluminum wire and I do not like using PVC other than underground supply from the pole. regarding electrical work, there is no such thing as a protection sleeve. You need to use the correct box connectors at each box. But then you cannot use SEU cable. You would need to use single strand conductors. Why would you not use SER cable? You will not have a weather head since you are using Service Entrance cable. You just bend a loop in the wire. Another thing I would never do. I like rigid conduit for anything that is above the meter base. I always use 4" conduit for that. Never know when you may want to update the size again. Plus it provides a stronger mast. I just like higher quality material and workmanship.

 

[brric]

I do not like using aluminum wire and I do not like using PVC other than underground supply from the pole. regarding electrical work, there is no such thing as a protection sleeve. You need to use the correct box connectors at each box. But then you cannot use SEU cable. You would need to use single strand conductors. Why would you not use SER cable? You will not have a weather head since you are using Service Entrance cable. You just bend a loop in the wire. Another thing I would never do. I like rigid conduit for anything that is above the meter base. I always use 4" conduit for that. Never know when you may want to update the size again. Plus it provides a stronger mast. I just like higher quality material and workmanship.

SER is four conductor cable. Only three conductors are required for a service entrance. 4” conduit will not even fit into a standard meter base.

 

[KansasCity]

To clarify, I do plan on using 2" rigid conduit from meter to weatherhead.

The reason I chose aluminum SEU over copper was my reading of this forum suggested that everyone prefers copper until they pay for it, then everyone prefers aluminum.

 

[rjniles]

Your plan is fine and you can use PVC from the meter down to the house entry point and just cable after that.
They make a drip cap for SE cable and you need to use it.

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[MTN REMODEL LLC]

CAVEAT....I am not an electrician nor do I keep up with NEC...(just ask when I'm not sure)

I just add for your possible use and maybe ask your BO.

Last two feeds to the main I did were conduiuted in sched 80 (electrical gray PVC). And if surface fed inside, were in the same. Both were permitted/one in CO one in Cali.

(Not a service feed, but sort a similar. Had to install a new main outside garage addition and feed the old main (now sub) accross garage . Had to conduit in sched 80 up to the trusses (8 ft), then could run it non conduit protected accross trusses, and back into conduit down garage wall into old main.)

 

[Jim Port]

I do not like using aluminum wire and I do not like using PVC other than underground supply from the pole. regarding electrical work,

Nothing wrong with either.

there is no such thing as a protection sleeve.

Wrong. PVC is quite commonly used as a sleeve.

Why would you not use SER cable?

Because there is no need for 4 conductors that SER has. SEU is all that is needed.

You will not have a weather head since you are using Service Entrance cable. You just bend a loop in the wire.

A weatherhead is more commonly used than a gooseneck. It also provides better support for the cable.

Another thing I would never do. I like rigid conduit for anything that is above the meter base. I always use 4" conduit for that.

Most sockets will not accept 4"

Never know when you may want to update the size again. Plus it provides a stronger mast. I just like higher quality material and workmanship.

Not everyone needs 800 amp services and 4 80 circuit panels like your house.

 

[7635tools]

To clarify, I do plan on using 2" rigid conduit from meter to weatherhead.



The reason I chose aluminum SEU over copper was my reading of this forum suggested that everyone prefers copper until they pay for it, then everyone prefers aluminum.

Copper 3/0 for a service riser is not going to break the bank. It not like your running 100’ out to an out building. It just a service riser and small nipple from the meter to the panel. I would go with copper personally.


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[Old Thomas]

Use aluminum and grease the connections. It will last beyond any of our lifetimes.

 

[KansasCity]

Everything seemed to be going well except this 2/0 SEU wire into a 2" LB.

I tried pulling it through (and tried and tried some more), but I ended up with about 12" of wire loop outside the LB box.

 

[ServiceCall]

Everything seemed to be going well except this 2/0 SEU wire into a 2" LB.

I tried pulling it through (and tried and tried some more), but I ended up with about 12" of wire loop outside the LB box.

I would have used a PVC 90 instead of an LB.

 

[Jim Port]

A 2" LB is too small for a cable that size. You should have used individual conductors or skip the LB.

 

[KansasCity]

I would have used a PVC 90 instead of an LB.

I tried a PVC 90 first, but it stuck way too far out from the house.

A 2" LB is too small for a cable that size. You should have used individual conductors or skip the LB.

I think I am going to skip the PVC and just use the SEU from meter box to circuit panel.

Is a regular cable clamp the appropriate way to fasten the cable inside the meter box?

 

[MTN REMODEL LLC]

A 2" LB is too small for a cable that size. You should have used individual conductors or skip the LB.

Jim.... Probably not....but can the OP strip the cable from around the conductors at that LB.

"I realize that may be a code infraction,,,,,guess I'm wondering if it's feasable from a safety standpoint.

 

[rjniles]

Jim.... Probably not....but can the OP strip the cable from around the conductors at that LB.



"I realize that may be a code infraction,,,,,guess I'm wondering if it's feasable from a safety standpoint.

No. Modification of a listed assembly and individual conductors are not marked.

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[KansasCity]

Just checking back:
Is a regular cable clamp the appropriate way to fasten the cable inside the meter box?

Also, on the outside portion from the meter into the house, how often should I attach the SEU to the house and what should I use?