I am renovating a small house and moving the Load Center from the crawlspace to a first floor, center of house location.

The service to the house is currently 100Amp but I will upgrade to 125Amp.

I am having a Main Breaker installed outside, next to the meter, so I have a disconnect to the longer SE cable (as well as a convenient means to disconnect while relocating the load center). The SE cable will enter the crawl space at its current location and then travel about 30 total feet to the new load center. The path requires two 90 degree bends, one to turn a corner and another to rise up to the first floor.

My question is, which would you use? SER cable (1/0 for 125Amp service) or #2 AWG THHN Cu wires in a 1 1/2" rigid plastic conduit?

Tom

Personally, I would use the 4 wire SER cable, unless there is some local restriction to using aluminum wire.

I understand that some areas at or close to the ocean do not allow aluminum wire for even feeders.

Why only upgrading to 125 Amp?

Why not go a full 200 Amp? Unless 200 Amp would be a waste.

Thank you for the fast response. Regarding upgrading to 200 Amp, the house is only 1300 sq ft with few significant electrical loads (range and electric dryer only). Using the NEC calculation guidelines yields 106Amp load. 125A is more than enough AND I don't have to upgrade the overhead lines :)

Good point about being close to the ocean, this house is located in Belfast, Maine, about 3 blocks from the waterfront. Should I use THHN Cu in conduit?

Tom

THWN - crawlspace is considered wet

Thanks. Surprised that a crawlspace is considered "wet", especially if the conduit is not open to the crawlspace.

In any case, perhaps I should have asked, "If the local code allows SER, would you still use SER knowing that the house is located near Penobscot Bay?"


Tom

Ahhh you get to deal with CMP... The Linemen are top notch. Customer Service are OK, most times.


From L/A area, if you're a native you will know what that means.

You should be fine with SER cable there. Never had to take out a permit in Belfast, that's my story and I am sticking to it, so not 100 % sure, but SER is widely used along the coast, and I do not see any reason the local inspector will not allow it, esp all contained inside.

I found no amendment at the inspectors website:
http://www.municode.com/resources/gateway.asp?pid=13393&sid=19

Al wire is used often here, even on the coast. Terminations must be done properly. Follow manufactures instructions.

Look, you get what you pay for. Sure A solid PVC conduit, or any type of raceway, and with copper wire, is a very good installation. You already know that. Just more difficult to install and costs more. But a top notch job.

Good for you to ask to see if SER is a standard and customary installation before jumping into it.

For anyone else reading, please always check with local codes, as there are often changes, waivers, and amendments that towns, cities, and states change the national code.

Do what I did just today, looked at what is installed in the area. Large aluminum cable for feeders is widely used in Maine, even on the coast. There is another gentlemen here answering questions from Key West, and I understand Al is frowned on there, possibly not allowed at all, due to ocean air. Local economy has some to do with this I believe, as we got the same water and sea air, just a lot more damn cold.

First I heard a crawl space is a wet location, esp if under a standard home on a rock or concrete foundation. Under a trailer is questionable, damp at best. Kiss where is this from?

Besides, all THHN sold here is dual rated THWN. I think you need to order special straight THHN in most of the USA.

Read the local code, poor workmanship is noted as code violation, so be neat. Read Article 338 of the NEC for installation of SE cable.

Super! Thanks a lot! Great and very thorough answer. Very much appreciated! You've saved me a lot of labor. :)

Tom

I'd still upgrade to 200 Amp... you never know what future uses you will have for electricity.

For example, if electric cars make it to the market, you will need a charging station.

If electric cars DO make it to the market AND I get one, at $0.165 per KWH, the car had better charge off a 125Amp service...
:)