The Code says #1/0 copper or #3/0 aluminum for ground wire.
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hz supply service.
The answer given above is correct. But a 400 amp panel is not a do-it-yourself project and knowing the proper size of grounding electrode conductor is not all the information you need. If you have little or no experience with electricity, if you do not know what a grounding electrode is, or if you do not know how to make these connections properly you need to hire a competent electrician to do this project for you.
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As always, if you are in doubt about what to do, the best advice anyone should give you is to call a licensed electrician to advise what work is needed.
Before you do any work yourself,
on electrical circuits, equipment or appliances,
always use a test meter to ensure the circuit is, in fact, de-energized.
IF YOU ARE NOT ALREADY SURE YOU CAN DO THIS JOB
SAFELY AND COMPETENTLY
REFER THIS WORK TO QUALIFIED PROFESSIONALS.
We recommend using a #6 copper wire for the connection between the breaker box and the earth ground rod. This size wire is commonly used for grounding purposes and is sufficient for carrying the electrical current safely to the ground rod. Be sure to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure the proper materials and installation for your specific situation.
It depends on the length of the run
For a single phase 600 amp service, you would typically use 350 kcmil conductors. However, the specific size can depend on factors like voltage drop calculations, distance from the utility transformer, and ambient temperature. It's always recommended to consult with a qualified electrician or electrical engineer for a precise determination.
For a 1500 watt 120 volt heater located 400 feet away, you would need to use at least 10-gauge wire to minimize voltage drop and ensure efficient power transmission. It is recommended to install a 240 volt sub panel near the heater location to account for the distance and potential power requirements for additional lights or equipment.
For a 200 amp service over a 400 foot run, you would need to use at least a 2-inch conduit to accommodate the size of the aluminum wire required. You would typically use 3/0 aluminum wire for this setup to ensure efficient power transmission and meet code requirements for voltage drop. It's recommended to consult with a licensed electrician to determine the exact specifications for your specific setup.
For a distribution panel rated at 400 amps parallel runs of 3/0 conductors will do the job.
Depends on the size of the sub-panel in that garage. If you are installing a 60 amp sub-panel 400 feet away from the main service panel then use AWG # 4.
We recommend using a #6 copper wire for the connection between the breaker box and the earth ground rod. This size wire is commonly used for grounding purposes and is sufficient for carrying the electrical current safely to the ground rod. Be sure to consult with a qualified electrician to ensure the proper materials and installation for your specific situation.
You need 2 ground rods of 8' in length. One under the meter base and another one 6' to either side of the meter base. Drive them into the ground with just enough sticking up to connect the ground wire.
This answer is taken from the CEC. Table 17 states minimum size of grounding conductors. For a service conductor drawing 400 amps a #3 copper grounding conductor is needed. Also see rules 10-206, 10-700 and 10-812 if you have access to the code book.
You need to look at the regulations that apply in your country. If in doubt, use a neutral wire of the same size as the live wire or wires.
Use AWG # 4 copper and you will have a 2.6% voltage drop which is acceptible.
It depends on the length of the run
Notes: 1. Where multiple sets of service-entrance conductors are used as permitted in Section 230-40, Exception No. 2, the equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor shall be determined by the largest sum of the areas of the corresponding conductors of each set. 2. Where there are no service-entrance conductors, the grounding electrode conductor size shall be determined by the equivalent size of the largest service-entrance conductor required for the load to be served. 1 This table also applies to the derived conductors of separately derived ac systems. 2 See installation restrictions in Section 250-64(a).
Answer for USA, Canada and countries running a 60 Hertz supply service.CEC states that a #3 bare copper conductor is a common grounding conductor size for a 200 amp service panel and it is the minium size for service raceway and service equipment of 400 amps.
1/0 <<>> This is a voltage drop question. A voltage and whether it is a single or three phase system must be provided to give an answer.
For a 400 amp service entrance, a grounding conductor of at least 3/0 AWG (American Wire Gauge) copper or 250 kcal (thousand circular mils) aluminum is required, in compliance with electrical codes and regulations. However, specific requirements may vary based on local codes and the specific conditions of the installation, so it's important to consult with a qualified electrician or refer to the applicable building codes for precise guidance.