I am installing a new electric Service to my home. I am upgrading to a 200 amp service and relocating the meter box. I plan on using #3/0 wiring from the meter box to the Load Center, then using #2/0 from the ground rod to the meter box and the Load Center. I have 2 questions. First, Do I need to ground both the meter box and the Load Center separately or can they be grounded together using the same ground wire? Second question Will one 8 foot 5/8 copper ground rod be enough to ground the entire electrical system?

First off, WHY 2/0 to the ground rod? For a connection to just a ground rod (or even two) all that is required is #6cu.

You must run the ground rod wire to the main disconnect/panel. DO NOT run it to the meter unless specifically called for by your power company.

Same goes for the water bond, which for a typical 200A service would require a #4cu wire.

Are you familiar with all the codes involved with installing grounding electrode conductors and water bond/electrode connections??

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Originally Posted by saindon

I am installing a new electric Service to my home. I am upgrading to a 200 amp service and relocating the meter box. I plan on using #3/0 wiring from the meter box to the Load Center, then using #2/0 from the ground rod to the meter box and the Load Center. I have 2 questions. First, Do I need to ground both the meter box and the Load Center separately or can they be grounded together using the same ground wire? Second question Will one 8 foot 5/8 copper ground rod be enough to ground the entire electrical system?

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No, I am not familiar with local code, but know what is acceptable by the power company. Com Ed informed me that #3/0 for the meter and I could go down one size for my ground. I assumed that 2/0 would be one size.

They meant down one size for the neutral. Are you running CU or AL wire from the meter to the panel?

This is where having a good idea of what you are doing BEFORE hand is a good and economical thing.

There are a lot of unanswered questions like distances and where the disconnect is planned to be placed. Is an external disconnect required in your area?

Please tell us that you have no intention of moving the meter yourself!

Moving the meter and the main panel box would have you handling deadly levels of amperage with absolutely no margin for errors.

Meters are owned by the Power Company and the Power Company has to approve the moving and reattachment.

Please call a licensed electrician!