[Honduras Bob]

Back to Honduras, where the NEC don't apply.. I am installing a 150 amp service.. and it is about 100 ft from breaker panel to meter, and about 50 ft from meter to utility pole connection..

These people commonly use aluminum, and # 2 awg is the largest I can find.. Does anyone think this is adequate, for a 150 amp service?

I have been told, by people here, that aluminum, #2 is OK from the meter to pole, but if I use the same wire from breaker to meter, the aluminum will heat up and cause excessive reading and thus more charges through the meter.. and that I should use copper from breakers to meter to prevent this, make sense? thanks for any input..

[tkrussell]

Insulated #2 on a messenger in free air is good for 123 amps. Most utilities use #2 for 150 amps, and #1 for 200 amp services here. What is the likelihood that your draw would be actually 120 amps?

But once in conduit, your aware that wire will heat up more quick since the heat cannot dissipate, so copper would be a good plan.