One other head’s up: 2/0 or 3/0 copper and 4/0 aluminum are not the same as 2 AWG, 3 AWG, and 4 AWG wires, respectively. Other downsides of aluminum include proneness to corrosion and overall flimsiness. However, aluminum wires have better electrical resistivity and tend to be quicker to install because they’re highly bendable and lighter.Įven though many homeowners can save plenty of dough when opting for aluminum, they still tend to prefer copper wires because they last longer. They’re lighter in addition to being less conductive and ductile. AluminumĪluminum wires gained a reputation as a cheaper alternative to their copper counterparts. After all, thieves won’t be all too willing to dig up or snatch your wires if they weigh a ton. Heftier weights don’t necessarily mean you get the shortest end of the stick, though. Most can’t get enough of its standout perks, such as better elasticity, notable durability and strength, and ease of pulling despite their heavier weight. Supply chain disruptions caused by the pandemic only add more wood to the fire.ĭemand for copper won’t dwindle anytime soon, though. Here’s how one differs from the other: 1. Why do the tables in the NEC only consider copper and aluminum? Simply put, they conduct electricity very well and are readily available. Related: Ideal Wire Size for a 50 Amp Sub Panel Different Types of Wire What’s important is that you don’t end up with an undersized wire as that leads to a fire threat and may damage the wire’s insulation. Without a doubt, home wiring is what most people who have this query are concerned with, so I went ahead and focused on that. This also applies to the neutral wire size, since it should be the same size as the line conductor. So, yes, you can consider either gauge as the most suitable 200 amp residential service wire size and entrance cable size. The same can be said for the 4/0 aluminum wire, which works for 180A. Now, go check out the inputs in Table 310.16, and you’ll see that the figures and recommendations make sense.Ģ/0 copper is rated for 175A (based on the 75° C column), which is perfect, since it still leaves a nice buffer. We’re just considering the 83% standard, as proven by the following calculation: If you compare the inputs from Table 310.16 standard wire size chart with the ones in Table 310.12, you’ll end up with different figures. Take note: this rule only applies to services rated between 100 amps to 400 amps.Īlso, the sizing above only applies to single-phase dwelling services, assuming your property falls into that category. Summed up, it means that your 200 amp service wire size’s ampacity should not be less than 83% of the main service’s rating. The 200A service recommendations of 2/0 copper and 4/0 aluminum wires were made with the 83% standard in mind. The Most Recommended Wire Size(S) for 200a Services The Most Recommended Wire Size(S) for 200a Services.
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