![]() ![]() In all the scenarios, the size of the service panel should always match that of the electrical load. It is enough to power most electric appliances and devices whose power consumption range from medium to high. Remember that the service panel is sometimes known as the main breaker panel and it is main distribution point of electricity.Ģ00 amp service is quite common in residential and even commercial buildings. In this case, the maximum current capacity is 200 amperes. But what does this service mean?Ģ00 amp service refers to the current capacity of an electric service panel in a building. We have already seen that you will need 2/0 AWG and 4/0 AWG wire sizes for the 200 amp service. This expansion can lead to loose connections in case of temperature difference.Īll these reasons we have mentioned point out to the main reason why aluminum wire for the 200 amps service will always be larger than the copper wire. This implies that it is likely to expand more with a slight change of temperature than copper. Aluminum has a higher coefficient of thermal expansion than copper. Thermal issue also comes in handy when it comes to the difference between copper and aluminum conductors. This is another reason why aluminum wire should be larger than the copper wire. This implies that the aluminum wire with the same diameter as copper will have more resistance than copper. On the other hand, aluminum conductor has a lower density than copper wire. At the end of it, copper, which will have a smaller diameter will carry the same load as the aluminum wire. This means that it has the capacity to carry more electric currents per cross-sectional area than the aluminum wire. Copper has a better electrical conductivity rating than aluminum. The main difference comes in terms of the conductivity. It is lighter and of course cheaper than the copper wire.Īs we have already mentioned, you will use 2/0 AWG for copper wire and 4/0 for the aluminum wire if your service is rated 200 amp. ![]() In most cases, aluminum will be used only as an alternative. However, it is more expensive than the aluminum wire. This explains why it has a wide range of applications globally.Ĭopper has other desirable properties such as flexibility and strength that make it a better conductor than aluminum. When comparing the two, copper is definitely a better conductor. Types of wires: Copper vs AluminumĬopper and aluminum are the two main materials used as conductors for major electrical applications such as 200 Amps service. From the table, it is illustrated that 2/0 will be able to support up to 200 amps hence making it an ideal choice for this service line. When we do the calculation, it will be 200× 83% which will give you 166Aįrom there, you can go to the American Wire Gauge Table and see where the 166A falls. In our case, we are talking about 200 amps service. The 83% is considered the maximum safe load capacity of both the wire and the circuit breaker and is usually applied on the service lines that transmit between 100amps to 400 amps. To sum up the rule, ampacity of the wire should not go below 83% of the main supply line. How did we arrive at the 2/0 AG for copper and 4/0 AWG for aluminum wires? Well, it is all about following the NEC’s 83% rule for the wire sizes. ![]()
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