[grubin]

I am installing a 400 amp service on my property in Portland, Or. I will be using a double 200 amp meter base with 200 amp breaker disconnects. Just to clarify, this is a panel that has two separate 200 amp meter bases. I will be running one of the 200 amp legs to a 200 amp service panel in the house, within 10' of the meter bases. From the 200 amp service panel I will be supplying a 100 amp sub-panel in the utility room (about 35' run away).
1. What size wires and conduit should I use from the meter bases to the weather head?
2. What size wire should I use from the 200 amp meter/disconnect to the 200 amp service panel?
3. What size wire should I use from the 200 amp service panel to the 100 amp sub-panel? I will have a 100 amp breaker in the 200 amp panel for the supply.
4. As an alternative to the above scenario, I may instal the 200 amp service panel in the utility room, eliminating the need for the sub-panel (which is actually my existing main panel). In this scenario, what size wire should I use going from the meter/disconnect to the 200 amp service panel 35' away.
5. Also, most of the existing wiring in my house does not have ground wires. I would like to replace all the wiring, but would prefer to do it one room at a time, as we remodel, over the next year. Will the inspector expect to see everything in the panels grounded when they inspect my installation of the meter bases and service panel?
Thanks

[tkrussell]

Assuming each meter has its own riser conduit, 3 - #4/0 aluminum XHHW, or if using SE cable, 4/0 Al 3 Wire SEU cable for each.

To the 200 amp panel, assuming SE cable, use #4/0 4 wire SER cable.

As long as no renovations are being done in the home, the inspector should not require any changes to the branch circuit wiring.


I have to ask, why two separate meters? Most utilities charge a monthly service charge for each meter.

They do make a 400 Amp (AKA 320 Amp) meter socket with two 200 amp breakers built in. Can save one monthly service charge.

[grubin]

Assuming each meter has its own riser conduit, 3 - #4/0 aluminum XHHW, or if using SE cable, 4/0 Al 3 Wire SEU cable for each.

To the 200 amp panel, assuming SE cable, use #4/0 4 wire SER cable.

As long as no renovations are being done in the home, the inspector should not require any changes to the branch circuit wiring.


I have to ask, why two separate meters? Most utilities charge a monthly service charge for each meter.

They do make a 400 Amp (AKA 320 Amp) meter socket with two 200 amp breakers built in. Can save one monthly service charge.

I may be using one of the 200 amp services for a future business on my property. On the other hand, if it is going to cost me a lot more money to have a separate meter, maybe I should just go with the 400 amp socket. I remember when pricing them, they were spendy. I already have a double 200 amp meter base that I picked up cheap. Oh well. I guess I will be calling my utility company to see what the cost difference of the two services is.
If I do go with the 400 amp socket, what size conduit and wire should I use for the mast?
Thanks a lot for the help!

[tkrussell]

One riser for a 400 amp meter would Need min of 3- #600 MCM Aluminum XHHW conductors in one 3 inch PVC Sch 40 conduit, or there can be two 2 inch PVC conduit risers each with a set of 3- #300 MCM Al XHHW conductors.

Since you already have two meter sockets, with plans for two separate metered services, you can stay with your plan.