Last Updated on October 22, 2023 by Kevin Chen
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Each amp service that you choose to install should be accompanied by proper wiring. In this case, you are planning to install a 200-amp service. Which is the perfect aluminum wire size for this service?
Well, in most cases, the size of the wire will depend on many factors such as the material of the wire, the voltage of the power line, and the length of the wire.
The National Electric Code (NEC) recommends that for a 200-amp service, you should use 3/0 AWG aluminum wire. However, you will still have a safety net on the 4/0 AWG aluminum wire size.
A 3/0 AWG aluminum wire size is ideal for all residential electrical applications as it can fully support up to 200 amps of current while suffering a minimum voltage drop.
Overview of 200-amp service
What does a 200-amp service mean in the world of electricity and electronics?
This simply refers to the electric capacity that is available to a particular building. It measures the maximum amount of electric current that can be supplied to a building.
Is 200-amp service enough for me?
Yes, 200-amp service is the current standard for most residential buildings. It can easily meet the electrical needs of most residential homes.
The service can comfortably run all the appliances in your building, whether it is a heating system or an air conditioning unit.
Can 200-amp service be used in commercial settings?
Unless it is a small office with low-power appliances, you will need to upgrade your amp service for commercial settings. This is because most commercial applications require high-power appliances and machines.
For commercial applications, you may consider getting 300-amp service. This may be true for large homes that run powerful electrical appliances such as large heating systems.
How can I know the best service capacity that I need for my home?
The size of the service panel is a key determinant of the service capacity. In addition to that, the capacity is also determined by the power that you are drawing from the main line.
200 amp service source The Spruce
Overview of 3 AWG aluminum wire
As we have mentioned, a 3 AWG aluminum wire is the perfect size for the 200-amp service. It is made of aluminum metal and has excellent electrical conductivity properties.
The wire measures 0.258 inches meaning that it is thick enough to support electric current from the 200-amp service panel. You can fully trust it when it comes to the residential applications.
Despite being thick the wire is quite lightweight hence providing maximum flexibility when it comes to doing electrical installations and maintenance.
#4/0 is the smallest wire that you may consider choosing when it comes to the aluminum wire size for a 200-amp service. Anything smaller than that will be a big safety risk. Other than the high voltage drop, such thin wires are likely to overheat and may end up causing fire.
The ideal length of a 3 AWG aluminum wire for a 200-amp service
Since you know that #3/0 is the perfect size for aluminum wire, the next thing you should think about is the perfect length of this wire size.
Key factors that determine the ideal length of the wire include the voltage source and the specifications of the wire that you are using.
According to the National Electrical Code (NEC), a 3 AWG aluminum wire for a 200-amp service should have a maximum length of 150 feet.
At this length, it is assumed that the wire will have a maximum voltage drop of 3%.
However, the length requirement may vary depending on the application area. For some applications, you will have to review the calculation of the voltage drop.
You will also need to do some modifications if you intend to use a 3AWG for more than 150 feet. Keep in mind that the longer the wire, the higher the voltage drop.
The voltage drop is also likely to be higher if you are using a thinner aluminum wire on a 200-amp service. For instance, you should expect a 5% voltage drop if you are planning to use a 4 AWG aluminum wire. And it will be worse if you use it for more than the stipulated length of 150 feet.
So, it will be safe if you stick to the 3 AWG aluminum wire for your 200-amp service.
But, how do I determine the voltage drop of a 3 AWG aluminum cable?
The easiest way to find out is by using a voltmeter. You simply need to measure the voltage at different points along the cable. From your measurements, you will discover that the further you are from the power source, the higher the voltage drop.
The highest reading on the voltmeter will be near the power source and the lowest reading will be at the furthest point from the power source.
To calculate the voltage drop, find the difference between two points and find their average.
What copper wire size should I use for a 200-amp service?
We have concluded that #3/0 is an ideal aluminum wire size for a 200-amp service. Does the same size apply to the copper wire?
When it comes to the copper wire, you will be safe to use a 4 AWG copper wire.
Probably you are wondering why the copper wire is smaller than that of aluminum yet they are for the same application.
The main reason for this difference is copper has better electrical conductivity than aluminum wire. Technically, a #4/0 copper wire will have the same results as a #2/0 aluminum wire.
Also, copper wires provide the best protection in case of electrical surges. Let’s not forget that you will spend lesser on the copper wire than on the aluminum wire for the same 200-amp service.
When comparing the voltage drop, aluminum wires tend to be on the higher side. The drop is higher when using aluminum wire than copper.
Why use aluminum wire instead of copper for a 200-amp service?
Despite the strengths of the copper wire, there are numerous valid reasons that should motivate you to use aluminum wire instead of copper. Here are some of those reasons.
- Lightweight: Aluminum is one o the lightest electric conductors. It is way lighter than copper wire. The advantage of being lightweight comes to the issue of transportation and installation. These wires can be easily transported and handled when installed. The lightweight nature of aluminum wire makes it more flexible than copper wire.
- Resistant to corrosion: As compared to copper aluminum wires tend to suffer less corrosion than copper. The main reason for this is aluminum oxidizes at slower rates than copper. Oxidation is the main catalyst for corrosion. This implies that aluminum wires will outlast copper when exposed to water.
- Cost-saving: By choosing aluminum wire for your 200-amp service, you will be able to save right at the point of purchase. When we add up other factors such as transport and installation, you will still be able to save more than copper.
- Tolerance to high temperature: Aluminum wires for domestic wiring are capable of withstanding high temperatures without suffering any serious electrical damage. This is another key reason why they are more suitable for harsh environmental conditions.
Weaknesses of aluminum wire
Despite these strengths, there are specific areas in which copper wires are better than aluminum, especially when used in 200-amp service.
One of the weaknesses is aluminum wire is prone to constant expansion and contraction. Such constant movements can easily affect the transmission of the electric current.
Also, despite the fact that these wires are easy to install, they tend to have many installation requirements. You will have to install additional connectors to guarantee the stability of the wire.
The good news is you can overcome most of these challenges by buying quality 3 AWG aluminum wires for 200-amp service. It will be easy to achieve this when you buy from reliable suppliers and distributors in China.
What is the cost of 3AWG aluminum wire?
There is no fixed price of #3/0 aluminum wire for 200-amp service. Instead, the cost keeps varying depending on numerous parameters. The cost may also vary depending on where you buy the wire.
Most buyers prefer to buy 3 AGW aluminum wires in bulk so as to save on the cost. You are likely to get some good discount from wholesale buying.
Also, you should buy from reputable aluminum wire suppliers in China if you are keen on getting the best prices.
About installation, aluminum wires are easy to install. However, you may have to buy extra accessories such as connectors and this may have an impact on the installation cost. You may also have to hire a professional installer if you are not sure about everything that entails installing electrical wires.
Conclusion
At this point, you have the answer to the issue of the best aluminum wire size for a 200-amp service. With the perfect size, you can be sure of getting the best result from your electric wiring system.
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