If I decide to install a 200 amp service for my home what size wire do I use for my head in ?

The feed from the pole to the service entrance must be 4/0 Aluminum. Copper is sometimes used but the widely used and accepted is 4/0 aluminum.

The feed from the pole to the service entrance must be 4/0 Aluminum. Copper is sometimes used but the widely used and accepted is 4/0 aluminum.
How about copper?

if i decide to install a 200 amp service for my home what size wire do i use for my head in ?
Stevojara - I think you had better check with your local power co. one thing you will have to get permits and all have local codes that you ( HAVE TO GO BY ) SO a little advice to keep you out of trouble latter , CHERCK WITH YOUR LOCAL POWER CO. HAVE A GOOD DFAY AND STAY SAFE & GOD BLESS::: F.B.E.

I agree with Flying. The way the question is asked suggests you are not very experienced in these matters. Asking a few questions over the internet is NOT a good way to gain the knowledge you need for this job. You will get bits and pieces but not all the important information.

For an overhead service the wire from the pole is NOT your concern.
For an underground service you will DEFINITELY need to contact your power company to see who installs what.

For a typical 200A overhead residential service your service conductors will need to be 4/0AL or 2/0CU.

if i decide to install a 200 amp service for my home what size wire do i use for my head in ?
How about if I want to use copper? Is 2/0 the correct gauge with # 4 ground ?

how about if i want to use copper? is 2/0 the correct guage with # 4 ground ? :eek: :eek:

stevojara - both 9stanfortyman & myself has given you some extermly good and important information. We both are state licensed electricians and have many years of exper. In this field. Now lets put it this way , like stan said you bwont be the one to run the main hook up wire from the pole to the meter base anyway note ( and unless you have the inspection decals posted on the main electrical panel and on the meter <the electrical co> will not even began to run the wire and hook up the meter . This is only one thing < you can be fined < if your house burns and ins co finds out it was caused by electrical <" THEY WILL NOT PAY A DIME", ive seen this happen < a man put in his own electrical < was not inspected or no permits< when he trioed to have elect> co to hook up power <they wouldn't and called for elect> inspector < he made him terar it all out and have a licensed electrician put it all back > permits was gotten and all inspections were done> my advice is for you to get a licensed electrician and let him get permits and call for the inspections as when ready for them > ( stay safe < don't try learn something you don't know about& get killed. Good luck & god bless ::: f.b.e. :) :)

how about if i want to use copper? is 2/0 the correct guage with # 4 ground ?
Ummmm, from post #7:

For a typical 200A overhead residential service your service conductors will need to be 4/0AL or 2/0CU.

Depending on loads You could Likely have 2 2/0 for hots, a 1/0 for Neutral.
#4 for ground is fine. (Copper)

I agree with Strat and others! As far as safety goes, I would heed what stan and fly are saying. Side note: Fly, now that we know you have all this experience as an electrician, I'm going to expect you to answer questions I may have. :)

All-in-All, good input from all!
;)

If you go to your local electrical supply complany they should have a copy of what's called the "Redbook" it details the local specs for installing a service enterance and other electrical requirements. Most major cities have bylaws that require a licenced electrician to do the work and many small communities still allow the homeowner to do the install but it would have to be passed by an electrical inspector before the electric company will install to the service mast. The wires leading from the mast to the meter must be installed by the electrical contractor or homeowner and the electrical company only installs wires from the pole to the wires protruding from the mast. If you get the Redbook read carefully as most electircal inspectors will not spend much time instructing you how to do it right.

2 2/0 and a 1/0 for neutral is common. Can go all 2/0 this is for copper.