Explain 320 AMP Service to me.

[checkthisout]

What is the difference between this and 400 AMP?

When the utility hooked me up (320 AMP), they put in 2 runs of 4/0-4/0-2-0 (6 wires total) or basically 2 200 AMP services.

Obviously these wires are just doubled up in the lugs in the meter base.

 

[malibu101]

In a nutshell, without citing code articles-
You can not run a continuous load (over 3 hours) at more than 80% of the circuit ampacity.
80% of 400 is 320.
What you describe is totally normal for this type of service.
My PowCo makes you run a CT service for a true 400 amp (single or three phase) or larger. I don't know how the costs differ though.

 

[checkthisout]

In a nutshell, without citing code articles-
You can not run a continuous load (over 3 hours) at more than 80% of the circuit ampacity.
80% of 400 is 320.
What you describe is totally normal for this type of service.
My PowCo makes you run a CT service for a true 400 amp (single or three phase) or larger. I don't know how the costs differ though.

Well, no way would I ever be able to do it but how would they know if you are drawing at or more than 400 AMPS?