Reduced electrical resistivity is crucial especially in high current electrical transmissions and for protecting the driven equipment. Yes, on second thought, such wire can give over 7 times as much as silver or gold. As aluminum wires are so expensive compared to copper, some companies produce them.Įven at pennies afoot, it’s going to be more expensive initially than either. You should consider its advantages and disadvantages when choosing a service conductor material. Copper is an excellent conductor:Ĭonductor wires are traditionally made of copper. They are, however, very expensive in comparison with other materials, so not everyone will be able to afford them.įortunately, alternative materials have many advantages as well. Why use aluminum or copper-clad aluminum wire?Īluminum is the best conductor to use for your underground wiring due to the advantages listed above. It is not recommended to run more than two wires underground. The wire will carry less power the farther it is from the service. The distance between the wire and the service should also be considered.
A combination of thicker and lighter wires may be the best option.
Wires with a thicker gauge can handle more electrical current, so they are better when it comes to gauging. To be certain, it is important to always double-check the requirements of your specific service. The 200 amp service will require at least two AWG wires. How many wires do I need for a 200 amp service? Anyway, aluminum wire is perfect for self-shielding conductors when it comes to grounding. A heavier gauge wire installed underground will only increase the chances of a bad contact due to corner effects if it is installed on crushed aggregate.ĪWG #3/0 is a good choice due to its standard distribution ampacity, and the problem will be virtually eliminated.īecause copper and aluminum both have advantages, there are a lot of manufacturers that cater to underground services. With underground installation, you have the option to use aluminum or copper. What kind of wire do I need for a 200 amp service? What is the best wire for underground? However, a rule of thumb is that #4/0 AWG aluminum wire is suitable for 200 Amp underground.Īluminum wire #6/0 can be used for ampacity, but it must be ensured that it will not adversely affect the signal by running it too close to the ground or other conductors. Aluminum wire:įor a 200 amp underground service, the size of aluminum wire you’ll need depends on the service type and its ampacity. The wiring will provide sufficient protection against lightning. Copper wire gauge #3/0 is recommended for underground installation. For underground installations, use at least a #2/0.
In general, a 2/0 gauge copper wire is used for a 200 amp service underground, but other gauges may be necessary based on the application. Listed below are the sizes of copper and aluminum wires when using 200 Amp underground. The size of the wire may vary depending on the material.
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