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Old 08-29-2012, 09:49 AM   #61
johno
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Default Re: wire size
One thing you need to do with aluminum is coat the wire ends/connections with an antioxidant, whatever size you end up with.
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Old 08-29-2012, 09:53 AM   #62
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Default Re: wire size
Bunk..., just plain bunk. I recommend to run the aluminum in conduit, but it's not necessary if installed direct bury and the trench is clear of stone. The poco uses direct bury aluminum all the time to service structures.

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Was told by local electrician that aluminum shouldn't be used underground. Copper is going to cost me close to 5,000 just in wire
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Old 08-29-2012, 11:16 AM   #63
Dave Maxwell
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Default Re: wire size
Said there was a heat issue. What size of aluminum is same as 1/0 copper. Or do they carry the same loads
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Old 08-29-2012, 11:19 AM   #64
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What amp is the 4/0 4/0 2/0 aluminum good for at 200 foot run
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Old 08-29-2012, 11:57 AM   #65
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Default Re: wire size
#2/0 aluminum is good for 100A for the 200' run. #4/0 aluminum is about 150A for the 200' run.

I used this calculator, using 240V at 3% drop direct bury... http://www.southwire.com/support/vol...calculator.htm

*
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Old 08-29-2012, 12:07 PM   #66
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Default Re: wire size
There is no heat issue with aluminum if sized properly. 1/0 copper and 3/0 aluminum are about the same amp cap. At 60C 125A for Cu vs 130A for Al

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Said there was a heat issue. What size of aluminum is same as 1/0 copper. Or do they carry the same loads
Last edited by pattenp; 08-29-2012 at 12:09 PM.
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Old 08-29-2012, 02:15 PM   #67
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Default Re: wire size
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Originally Posted by Dave Maxwell View Post
What amp is the 4/0 4/0 2/0 aluminum good for at 200 foot run
If it is for the main service to the house then 200A.

Typically the secondary side of the service (120/240v) can be run approximately 250' before you need to worry about upsizing. This is usually the POCO's call.
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Old 08-29-2012, 03:50 PM   #68
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Default Re: wire size
Dave, You need to clarify your inquiry about the wire sizes. Is the feed to your shop going to be a new service coming off a meter, or are you planning to feed your shop as an auxiliary building off your existing main panel? This makes a difference in the number of conductors and size to the allowable amps.
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Old 08-29-2012, 06:36 PM   #69
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If I can by code I would.like to come straight off the meter base. That would be 200 amp. If I have to go off a breaker in main house panel then it will be 100 amp
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Old 08-29-2012, 07:04 PM   #70
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If I can by code I would.like to come straight off the meter base. That would be 200 amp. If I have to go off a breaker in main house panel then it will be 100 amp
If it is a typical residential meter pan or even a meter/main then you CANNOT come right off of it. You need to come from a panel.
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Old 08-29-2012, 07:07 PM   #71
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Wondered about that. My power company said it was OK, but not sure if I have the right basr
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Old 08-29-2012, 07:09 PM   #72
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Default Re: wire size
If I have a 200. Amp service at house, can I put a 200 amp feed off it. Or do they make a breaker that size
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Old 08-29-2012, 09:08 PM   #73
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Default Re: wire size
You can't get an additional 200a feed off of a 200a service. You need to have the service increased to 400a and install a 400a meter socket.

Edit: 400a service technically can use a 320A meter socket even though I said 400A.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Dave Maxwell View Post
If I have a 200. Amp service at house, can I put a 200 amp feed off it. Or do they make a breaker that size
Last edited by pattenp; 08-29-2012 at 09:26 PM.
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Old 08-31-2012, 12:15 AM   #74
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Quote:
Originally Posted by pattenp View Post
You can't get an additional 200a feed off of a 200a service. You need to have the service increased to 400a and install a 400a meter socket.

Edit: 400a service technically can use a 320A meter socket even though I said 400A.
Can't you use a 200A feed-through panel going to a 200A panel?
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