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donalfingleton · Jan 21, 2009, 07:25 PM

What size wire is needed for a 200 amp service in a deli I don't know if the electrician is right

stanfortyman · Jan 21, 2009, 08:26 PM

What is making you question him?
Was the work inspected? Did it pass?

jw291 · Jan 21, 2009, 08:54 PM

There are a lot of factors that go into determining the size of wire someone is going to use to go to your service. Some of which is whether the wire is aluminum or copper, the type of insulation on the wire(there are many types but thhn is the most commonly used, I believe) and whether he needs to de-rate. He probably won't have to de-rate the wire, but if you have an electrician that you can't trust, then you should have gotten a different one. I would suggest a union shop, I feel that they are the most trained. I know that where I live they have an extra year of school that they have to go to that the state graduates don't( Just my opinion though)

stanfortyman · Jan 22, 2009, 05:00 AM

Originally Posted by jw291

I would suggest a union shop, i feel that they are the most trained.

At the risk of the typical union/non-union flame war I will respectfully DISagree.

This opinion is GREATLY location depended. Some areas you won't find a union electrician that does residential work (aside from one that does side work). Other areas, like Chicago, you won't find anything but.

In my years and my area I have found that union electricians have very little clue about residential work. Most have done commercial and industrial work for so long that when it comes to the world of NM cable and plastic boxes they are lost. Both in practice and code wise.

Tev · Jan 22, 2009, 12:39 PM

3/0 copper or 250 kcmil aluminum would be normal for this. Of course that could be different in your area based on climate, local codes or distance of the run. Why not just ask him to help you understand? As Stan asked, is there a reason you don't trust him?

stanfortyman · Jan 22, 2009, 04:05 PM

I have to say, I just realized I made a mistake in thinking this was a residential job. I didn't re-read the OP and just assumed it was. Being this is a DIY site in the "Home & Garden" section I just didn't remember from reading it. Sorry.

Although I will say, it does not change my opinion. You'll find as many good non-union shops as union.