View Full Version : New 200 amp service
fiedler98
Oct 3, 2007, 07:19 PM
What size cable would be needed to carry new service 530' to a 200 amp panel? Also does anyone know if schedule 40 can be place of 80 if the conduit is in a lawn with no driveway or walkway crossings? This would be in Franklinville, New York.
tkrussell
Oct 4, 2007, 04:09 AM
A 200 amp service can be loaded to 160 amps, 80%. Assuming this would be the max load, and assuming the voltage is 120/240, and keep the voltage drop at or below the recommended 3%, would require 500 MCM aluminum, for 2.5%, or 300 MCM copper for 3%.
I don't even want to speculate what the copper would cost.
This is an excessive length for 120/240 volts.
Why is the run 530 feet? Is this because the utility transformer is so far way from the home? Is getting the utility closer an option?
Schedule 40 is fine for normal soil conditions. Best to lay the conduit on a 6"bed of clean sand, and cover with 6" of sand, before backfilling with virgin soil.
While 4" PVC would be the standard size for 500 MCM, with this length you may want to consider 5" or 6" PVC Sch40.
fiedler98
Oct 4, 2007, 11:42 AM
The electric company here wanted over $7300. To get service closer. I told them to forget it and just get the service to my property line (hence the 530' distance). They did put a transformer on the pole and I am the only service from it. The house was planned to be a bit off the road. I have great friends that do excavating and construction work and it is amazing what they can do for beer and pizza.
I've heard of copper coated aluminum - any opinion on that?
Thank you for your help
tkrussell
Oct 4, 2007, 11:52 AM
That is only used for connection purposes. Still has the same ampacity as aluminum, so still need the same size, but more costly than plain aluminum.
Look into you providing the high voltage line to a pad mount transformer, either provided by you or the utility, but much closer to the home.
Still need trenching, and PVC conduit, and the wire will be much smaller, probably a #2 copper 5 Kv (kilo-volt)cable.
Or you can get a price from a private pole line contractor to extend the pole line closer. You would own and maintain this pole line.