I am rebuilding a shop that is 150ft from my meter. I want to have a lug meter installed so I can have a 200 amp service to my shop. 30x40 with a 15x40 lean too. Do I need 2/0 cable to run this length? Also is there any way that Ican legally pull a permit and do the work myself? I have heard diff. storys from yes to no and even one where you have pass a local test. Thanks in advance Kfen

Kfen,

I'm not an expert on the NEC, but I'm pretty sure that the local inspectors would not issue you a permit on any kind of work involving the installation of a meter. There is absolutely zero protection on that type of work and unless you have been trained to do it, you could kill yourself.

First, I suggest you call the power company and see what they would charge for a new drop and meter.

Then I would make as detailed a site plan of your electrical needs as possible show it to several licensed electricians. They can pull the required permits do the work and arrange for an electrical inspector to inspect and approve the work.

If this is a single family residence, most states allow homeowners to do their one electrical work providing a permit and inspection is applied for. Check with your town or city hall at the building or code enforcement office.

You may check your states website for rules, regulations, or ordinances regarding homeowner work.

If there will be a main breaker at the meter, I would recommend either #4/0 aluminum 4 wire URD cable if you want to direct bury the cable, or 2.5 or 3 " PVC Schedule 40 conduit with 3- #4/0 Al wire for the two jot legs and one neutral, and #2 Al for the equipment ground, all with XHHW insulation.

If the main will be at the panel, and none at the meter, eliminate the equipment ground wire.

When your ready for the panel, check back to learn grounding.

If this is not related to a residential setting, get back here because the wire size will be different.