If you have a 120/240v service for a home, and you have 4 wires, That is, 2 hots, a neutral and a ground. The National Electrical Code requires a #6 AWG copper equipment ground wire, or a #4 AWG aluminum wire. In addition the wire that connects to the ground rod (that is, the grounding electrode conductor) should be a # AWG copper or #2 AWG aluminum when you are using a 2/0 or 3/0 hot wire. If it is the sole connection to the ground rod, the grounding electrode conductor may be reduced in size to a #6 AWG copper. Keep in mind that your local electrical codes, and other factors unknown, such as, mobile home or commercial applications, may require a more stringent application. Your safety and the safety of others depends on a properly sized and installed grounding system, and should only be installed by an electrician who has a record of experience with this type of installation.
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The CEC states that a #6 bare copper conductor is to be used for the connection between the ground rod or plate and the neutral connection block of the distribution panel for a 200 amp service.
A 3/0 copper wire with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C is rated at 200 and 210 amps respectively.
A bare #3 copper conductor is the minimum size wire to be used.
#4
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A #1 copper wire with an insulation rating of 90 degrees C is rated at 140 amps.
Yes, they are the same size wire.
A 200 amp service panel will require a # 4 bare copper ground wire.
On a 200 amp or any size service the ground wire is easily identified. Look in the distribution panel for the neutral bus bar. This is where the service neutral (white wire) is connected to the distribution panel. There you will see a bare copper wire connected to the same neutral bar. This is the ground wire that is connected to the ground rods out side of the house.
You do not use a ground wire in the connection from the meter base to the distribution panel. A bonding wire may be required if the service is using PVC conduit.
A #1 copper wire with an insulation rating of 90 degrees C is rated at 140 amps.
Yes, they are the same size wire.
A 200 amp service panel will require a # 4 bare copper ground wire.
AWG # 3/0 copper.
As a service entrance wire you need AWG # 3/0 gauge copper.
A 200 amp service panel with a 60 amp sub-panel.
On a 200 amp or any size service the ground wire is easily identified. Look in the distribution panel for the neutral bus bar. This is where the service neutral (white wire) is connected to the distribution panel. There you will see a bare copper wire connected to the same neutral bar. This is the ground wire that is connected to the ground rods out side of the house.
You do not use a ground wire in the connection from the meter base to the distribution panel. A bonding wire may be required if the service is using PVC conduit.
200 amp service in chicago uses 3 aught.
Yes, the wire size has to be increased. The existing 100 amp service will now probably have a #3 conductor with an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C which is rated for 100 and 105 amps respectively. Increasing to a 150 amp service will use a #1/0 wire size. If you are thinking of an upgrade, skip the 150 amp service and go to a 200 amp panel. New homes are installing 200 amp 42 circuit panels. The extra cost is only reflected in the materials as the labour costs will be the same regardless whether a 150 amp or a 200 amp panel is installed. The wire size for a 200 amp panel is #3/0. With an insulation factor of 75 or 90 degrees C the rating is 200 or 210 amps respectively.
200 Watt Panel
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