What Size Wire For 200 Amp Electrical Service? Full Guide

two Different 200 amp wires side by side

Whenever you decide to install a 200 amp electrical service, the size wire you need to use is determined by the distance of your run and the voltage drop allowable. Please note that installing a 200 amp service is not a simple DIY project and should only be done by professionals.

A certified electrician is necessary for handling these types of amperages and wiring.

Wire Sizes For A 200 Amp Service

To safely use a 200 amp electrical service, you will need to use #4/0 Aluminum, Aluminum Clad Wire, or #2/0 Copper. These are the safest wire sizes because they will allow you to use the full amperage of your electrical service without too high of a voltage drop.

Using anything smaller than #2/0 copper wire will increase your voltages (and maybe even start melting wiring). Sticking with larger wire sizes like this not only keeps your equipment running efficiently, but also increases the lifetime of both wires & connectors by preventing overheating and resistance buildup.

If you're looking for the perfect 200 amp wire for your next project, look no further than the 100' Nassau 4/0-4/0-4/0-2/0 SER Aluminum Service Entrance Cable. If you read the reviews on amazon, you will see that it is perfect for 200 amps.

Why Choose Copper Wiring?

Choosing to use copper wiring will provide the best protection from surges and also protect your equipment in case of bad wiring. Copper wiring is typically cheaper than aluminum or aluminum clad wiring, so it may cost you less in the long run. Aluminum and aluminum clad wires look very similar to copper wiring in their appearance and general installation practices, but they lose more voltage over a given length of wire due to resistance. This means that most wires that are rated for a certain amount of amperage will lose the ability to safely carry that amperage if you start to run said wire over too long of a distance.

Why Choose Aluminum or Copper-Clad Aluminum Wire?

As stated above, aluminum wires lose voltage over a given length due to resistance. This can make it difficult to deliver maximum power to your home while also ensuring that bad wiring causes no damage or hurtful fires.

Another issue with longer runs of aluminum wiring is that the connection points will corrode more quickly than they would with steel and copper wiring. This corrosion can cause shorts and other electrical issues, so most installers recommend aluminum clad-copper wire (sometimes also called ACAW) in these cases because the base metal is copper and therefore does not corrode as badly when compared to aluminum alone.

Below is a list of reasons why someone would choose to use aluminum wire instead of copper wire.

Cost - The cost savings of aluminum wire in the long-term can be substantial. The initial cost of copper wire is more than aluminum, but when adding up all the materials and labor involved in a larger project, the price difference is negligible compared to using aluminum wire, which will save time for installers and companies.
Weight - Aluminum weighs much less than copper does by volume, so it's easier to transport when many miles have to be covered.
Corrosion Resistance - Aluminum oxidizes at a much slower rate when exposed to air when compared to copper wires. This means that aluminum will not corrode as quickly after being installed in wet or damp environments like bathrooms or kitchens where there may be exposure to water from sinks and showers.
Installation Time - The time it takes to install wires with aluminum is reduced because it's easier to bend and doesn't take as many fittings. This means that the cost of an installation will go down due to less time spent on installations.

Check Your Local Permit Requirements and Electrical Codes

Knowing the different rules and regulations that govern wire installation can make a big difference. Your local utility company may charge less for running the wire through conduits if you upgrade to aluminum or other more durable wiring. Be aware of any permits or fees that may be required, and whether your locality requires you to use particular brands and types of wiring. You never want to complete a wiring job only to find out that you have to remove it all and start over because it wasn't done properly or according to the electrical codes or permits.

Check the Distance of the Wire Run

When you know the distance that the wire must run, you have a better idea how much voltage drop there will be. If you want to limit any wire runs to less than 50 percent of a volt, then 200 amp service requires either #2/0 copper wiring or #4/0 aluminum or aluminum clad wiring. Which wire used is determined by the voltage drop and length of the wiring. For #2/0 copper wiring you can expect up to 5% voltage drop at 200 amps, which means your service must provide 240 volts for this kind of load. This type of wiring has a minimum breaking strength that's nearly twice as strong as aluminum.

Service Wire Size	Distance to average a 3% Voltage Drop
Aluminum 300 kcmil	100 feet
Aluminum #4/0 Wire	50 feet
Copper #4/0 Wire	150 feet
Copper #3/0 Wire	100 feet
Copper #2/0 Wire	50 feet

Cost to Install 200 Amp Electrical Service

The cost to install a 200 amp electrical service will always vary depending on many different factors. These factors will be listed below.

Electrician will determine the cost of wiring based on their average rates in your area.
The size of the service box, whether it's a 100 or 200 amp panel is another factor that can increase or decrease the cost to install a 200 amp electrical service.
Another factor is how much work must be done to prepare for the installation (moving building structures, drywall tools).
More factors include if it's overhead or underground service, and any other services either preceding or following this one (circuit breaker panels, storm panels).

The cost of installing these wires is usually between $1,000 and $1,500 for overhead systems and $1,500 to $3,000 for underground systems.

If the wires are too small they can create circuit breaker problems when they heat up during operation. If the wire is too big it won't allow adequate voltage drop so that equipment can operate properly. That's why this job is left up to an electrician because he or she has all of the tools needed to complete this task correctly by understanding all of the factors involved and the equipment that will be connected to the line.

If you're in the market for a 200 amp circuit breaker, try this one from Schneider Electric. You could also try this one that has awesome reviews on amazon from a company called Siemens.

What's the difference between 100 and 200 amp service?

The major difference between these two amp service is the fact that the 100 amp service is more susceptible to overloading. A 200 amp service on the other hand is able to handle a higher overload capacity.

In order to determine the need for a 100 amp service or a 200 amp service, you will first have to find out how many amps of current is being used. An electrician will be able to help you with this determination and install the correct wiring required for your household appliances and equipment.

Testing Voltage

It's always good to check voltage on your power outlet before plugging in anything electronic. Voltage varies greatly from country to country and even between different outlets in the same region.

It might be in your best interest to purchase a KAIWEETS Voltage Tester or any other similar voltage testers.

Want to know the wire sizes of other amperages? Visit some of our other pages below.

Conclusion

To use a 200 amp service, you need #2/0 or #4/0 wiring. Contact an electrician for more information. Making sure you have the right wire size will ensure that your electrical equipment operates properly and does not cause a dangerous situation.