Can I use this for 200A SE cable?

[bczygan]

From the connection at the service drop down to the meter box and then into the main panel?

Seller says:
Approximately 50 feet of 200-amp 4 wire service entrance cable. Normally $3.40 a foot, I'll sell you this whole roll I have for $60.


Bill

 

[mike93lx]

You don't need 4 wire for service entrance. 50' is a lot from a weather head to meter the to panel. How much do you actually need? If it is a lot less, I would just buy the right stuff, new.

On my house, it is about 14' of wire outside and 2' inside.

 

[bczygan]

You don't need 4 wire for service entrance. 50' is a lot from a weather head to meter the to panel. How much do you actually need? If it is a lot less, I would just buy the right stuff, new.

On my house, it is about 14' of wire outside and 2' inside.

Is this the right stuff though?

I don't know if it's SEU or SER.

I assume it has to be XHHW-2, THHN or THWN-2 to get the 200A.

Can I also use it to connect to a sub panel in the same residence?

Bill

 

[mike93lx]

Is this the right stuff though?

I don't know if it's SEU or SER.

I assume it has to be XHHW-2, THHN or THWN-2 to get the 200A.

Can I also use it to connect to a sub panel in the same residence?

Bill

From a weather head to meter pan, you only need three wire. Without seeing the ratings on the cable, there is no way to say for sure if it will serve your purpose, IMO.

 

[bczygan]

From a weather head to meter pan, you only need three wire. Without seeing the ratings on the cable, there is no way to say for sure if it will serve your purpose, IMO.

Can I use 4 wire instead of 3 wire everywhere anyway?

Any difference between using SER (Reinforced) and SEU in any of these locations?

Googling, I see both used as outside and inside feeders. And I will have 2 200A panels (Main and Sub). I suppose 4/0 will fit the main lugs.

Bill

 

[Jim greengo]

Around here anyway all new stuff has to be in pipe from weather head to meter socket.
Then in pipe from meter socket to panel.

 

[bczygan]

Around here anyway all new stuff has to be in pipe from weather head to meter socket.
Then in pipe from meter socket to panel.

Where is around here?

In any case, I need a new meter pan for 200A (Meter and OH drop of triplex are adequate. The drop is anchored into the brick wall about halfway up the 2 story house. Right now it is exposed and the cable jacket is weathered away.

I will use 2" PVC and a PVC weather head up to the same location and connect to the drop that is anchored at the same point. When they replaced the OH drop they left me enough slack for that. Expansion sleeve where the PVC goes into the meter pan and then use the same entry through the wall into the new panel.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Looks like it is SER by the shape. So unless anyone says otherwise I'm using it for weather head to meter, meter to 200A main panel and main panel to 200A sub.

Bill

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Hold up.

Youre gonna take someone’s word that it’s 200a rated wire?

People misinterpret table 310.15(B)(16) all the time.

I would verify the gauge and ampacity first before buying.

BTW yes you can use it to feed a subpanel in the same structure.

For the service entrance mast portion, make sure to use the insulated white wire for neutral and NOT the bare ground wire.

 

[bczygan]

I think it's SER by the shape. Can I just tape off the extra conductor?

 

[Norcal]

I think it's SER by the shape. Can I just tape off the extra conductor?

Use the correct product. The job needs to be done right and on top of that, there is NO overcurrent protection between the PoCo's transformer & the main breaker, plus I doubt would pass inspection by the inspection authority, or the PoCo, they have standards that have to be met too.

 

[mike93lx]

Use it indoors for a subpanel feeder if you have to buy it, but buy the right stuff for the weather head to meter connection. Taping off a conductor is hack work

 

[Terry D]

That does not look look 200 amp wire. And i dont want to start a whole new topic and arguments. But around here, 4/0 alum. Is what we use for 200 amp residential service. Its not so much that the table is misinterpreted, its what is allowed and not allowed in certuan areas. Best thing to do is to check with your local codes

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[Jim greengo]

Where is around here?

In any case, I need a new meter pan for 200A (Meter and OH drop of triplex are adequate. The drop is anchored into the brick wall about halfway up the 2 story house. Right now it is exposed and the cable jacket is weathered away.

I will use 2" PVC and a PVC weather head up to the same location and connect to the drop that is anchored at the same point. When they replaced the OH drop they left me enough slack for that. Expansion sleeve where the PVC goes into the meter pan and then use the same entry through the wall into the new panel.

Bill

Omaha ne area.

 

[Terry D]

Where is around here?

In any case, I need a new meter pan for 200A (Meter and OH drop of triplex are adequate. The drop is anchored into the brick wall about halfway up the 2 story house. Right now it is exposed and the cable jacket is weathered away.

I will use 2" PVC and a PVC weather head up to the same location and connect to the drop that is anchored at the same point. When they replaced the OH drop they left me enough slack for that. Expansion sleeve where the PVC goes into the meter pan and then use the same entry through the wall into the new panel.

Bill

You do not need a expansion coupling on the mast for a overhead service

 

[Jim greengo]

You do not need a expansion coupling on the mast for a overhead service

What he said.

 

[Norcal]

That does not look look 200 amp wire. And i dont want to start a whole new topic and arguments. But around here, 4/0 alum. Is what we use for 200 amp residential service. Its not so much that the table is misinterpreted, its what is allowed and not allowed in certuan areas. Best thing to do is to check with your local codes

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4/0 AL for a 200A residential service is correct, it’s when it is applied to other uses that goes against the code.

 

[bczygan]

It is exactly what I thought it was. SER 4/0 4/0 4/0 2/0.

Used 60' for $40.

Should do fine for both purposes. No permits. Kind of heavy stuff. Will it exceed the fill for 2" PVC?

See photos:

Bill

 

[mike93lx]

Why bother asking? You already know what you are going to do anyway.

 

[Terry D]

It is exactly what I thought it was. SER 4/0 4/0 4/0 2/0.

Used 60' for $40.

Should do fine for both purposes. No permits. Kind of heavy stuff. Will it exceed the fill for 2" PVC?

See photos:

Bill

Sorry, it looked smaller to me. Like already said, you only need 2 hots and a neutral. I would strip it and just run the (3) 4/0 in the conduits. No need for the bare 2/0

 

[wyliesdiesels]

It is exactly what I thought it was. SER 4/0 4/0 4/0 2/0.

Used 60' for $40.

Should do fine for both purposes. No permits. Kind of heavy stuff. Will it exceed the fill for 2" PVC?

See photos:

Bill

Used? Looks weathered. The aluminum is oxidized quite a bit.

Who knows what it was exposed to.

Sorry, it looked smaller to me. Like already said, you only need 2 hots and a neutral. I would strip it and just run the (3) 4/0 in the conduits. No need for the bare 2/0

IIRC the individual conductor in SE style cable are not marked, just like NM-b conductors are not marked

 

[bczygan]

Not that old. Cable made in 2014 and used on a sign install.

Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Bill

An electrician will make the connection with split bolts and friction tape.

 

[Bert_]

If you're running pipe just get xhhw. Pushing that can though an lb would be a pain. I'm to the point most of the services I do are in IMC or EMT. Even PVC doesn't hold up that good.

Lightly used wire doesn't bother me. It just not what I would want for the job.

An electrician will make the connection with split bolts and friction tape.

Split bolts on overhead is handyman ****. No respectable electrician should do that.

 

[Terry D]

Used? Looks weathered. The aluminum is oxidized quite a bit.

Who knows what it was exposed to.



IIRC the individual conductor in SE style cable are not marked, just like NM-b conductors are not marked

I know, at this point, does it really matter. Really shouldn't be installing used wiring anyway

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[PCustoms]

Split bolts on overhead is handyman ****. No respectable electrician should do that.

What do respectable electricians use?

 

[Terry D]

What do respectable electricians use?

Parallel connectors

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[wyliesdiesels]

Not that old. Cable made in 2014 and used on a sign install.

Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Bill

An electrician will make the connection with split bolts and friction tape.

Split bolts? Why not compression connectors?

Why isnt the PoCo doing the cutover?

 

[Bert_]

What do respectable electricians use?

H taps. Seems like other people here call them parallel groove, whatever, same thing. As long as you use the right one for your wire size they don't go bad, ever.

Split bolts corrode and get open connections all the time when exposed to weather. Wrapping them with tape actually makes it worse since it traps water. If you have to use split bolts, leave them bare or get the snap on insulating covers.

 

[bczygan]

Parallel connectors

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Thank you!

I was fishing for the right answer. Are they left bare?

The whole idea is to NOT get the POCO involved, but to do a safe job without permits.

A repeat of some unanswered questions:
Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Bill

 

[Jim greengo]

I've used split bolts on service drops for years,never had a problem with them.
I wrap them with Super 33 1st,then the 3m rubber tape and super 33 again.
Cant always wait for power co to show up to get power back on.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Why dont you want the power co involved?

Do you have a smart meter?

If so, they will know when you disconnect the power. Out here they come and investigate...

 

[Jim greengo]

Where is around here?

In any case, I need a new meter pan for 200A (Meter and OH drop of triplex are adequate. The drop is anchored into the brick wall about halfway up the 2 story house. Right now it is exposed and the cable jacket is weathered away.

I will use 2" PVC and a PVC weather head up to the same location and connect to the drop that is anchored at the same point. When they replaced the OH drop they left me enough slack for that. Expansion sleeve where the PVC goes into the meter pan and then use the same entry through the wall into the new panel.

Bill

Why not just do it in emt instead of pvc?

 

[bczygan]

Why dont you want the power co involved?

Do you have a smart meter?

If so, they will know when you disconnect the power. Out here they come and investigate...

I will call them first, and then remove the meter. Will have all loads removed so no arc flash. Yes, I've done it before when I wanted to work on hot parts, to remove power. Yes, it's a smart meter and I know the procedure. I don't want permits because of city involvement and cost. Mostly don't want city guys poking around.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Why not just do it in emt instead of pvc?

Would 2" EMT meet the fill requirements?

Then I have to paint it and maintain that.

I already have the 2" PVC conduit and weather head.

Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Understand that I want to install this as safely as you would for your own house. I'm looking up torque values for instance, and will use them. I'm using insulated tools even on dead work. So please share with me EVERY detail I need to know.

Bill

 

[pi_guy]

I will call them first, and then remove the meter. Will have all loads removed so no arc flash. Yes, I've done it before when I wanted to work on hot parts, to remove power. Yes, it's a smart meter and I know the procedure. I don't want permits because of city involvement and cost. Mostly don't want city guys poking around.

Bill

There might be a good reason to have this done by a professional.
2. There are valid reasons to have permits done

3 You don't want to invalidate your insurance policy or do you?

 

[bczygan]

There might be a good reason to have this done by a professional.
2. There are valid reasons to have permits done

3 You don't want to invalidate your insurance policy or do you?

No insurance.

What reasons are there for permits and a pro. Be specific and list them all.

Still looking for answers on these questions:
Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Are the parallel connectors left bare at the connection to the OH drop?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Bill

 

[bczygan]

Here is a question.

Do you count a cable for conduit fill as a single item and measure its area or do you count each conductor in it separately?

Bill

 

[Jim greengo]

Would 2" EMT meet the fill requirements?

Then I have to paint it and maintain that.

I already have the 2" PVC conduit and weather head.

Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Understand that I want to install this as safely as you would for your own house. I'm looking up torque values for instance, and will use them. I'm using insulated tools even on dead work. So please share with me EVERY detail I need to know.

Bill

Theres no need to paint emt.

 

[bczygan]

Theres no need to paint emt.

Thank you. Is it galvanized?



Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Bill

 

[Terry D]

Thank you. Is it galvanized?



Question I have on PVC fill. Schedule 80 is specified for protection from damage. Fill chart allows 3 4/0 conductors for schedule 80 and 4 for schedule 40. One of the conductors is 2/0. And someone said cable is considered one conductor and you have to measure its area. Worried about heat and how heavy it is. Should I use metal conduit?

Also, does SER need to be in conduit inside the structure full length or just where exposed to damage? It will feed a 200A panel but with a smaller breaker for the feed.

Bill

Like I said earlier, strip the wire and just put the (3) 4/0's in the conduit. There is no need for the 2/0 ground to be in there. So what if its one more violation.

Your already doing the work without a permit.

Your pulling the meter without being licensed. We have some jurisdictions here where even a licensed electrician cant pull a meter.

Plus your are asking questions that you should not be asking if you knew what you are doing.