sizing service wires

[kenny_ca]

Can you guys help me select the correct wires for my 2 panel with 2 risers?
the 2 panels are 200A each.

here are the loads for each panel.
Panel A:
2 bedroom, 1 bath detached unit
electrical stove, future car charger
lighting, outlets, very little load

Panel B:
4 bedroom, 2 bath
electric stove, electric dryer
future AC
general lighting and outlets

my plan was to install two service risers with 2/0 CU x 3 in each.
but i'm hearing the power company wants me to install 1 riser with a hot gutter to connect the two panels. in that case, would i need to select wires to support 400A?

 

[Charlie K]

If panels have 200 amp main breakers you need to size the wire for the breaker. Looks like 4/0 aluminum.

 

[sberry]

Its 400A service, need the wire for it. I am underground and the poco didn't seem to care much about the wire size but I got them to spec 500mcm for 400 to the meter base. I believe they want to open the enclosure, remove meter and kill power, 2 risers would need 2 meters. Power needs to be thru 1 service to a structure.

 

[Bert_]

How is it getting metered? One meter or two? Really would like some more info on the situation.

You can always parallel 2x 2/0 cu or 2x 4/0 al to get 400A. Technically 2x 200A main breakers does not mean you need 400A service conductors, but I would be hesitant to apply that rule.

 

[kenny_ca]

the service is from overhead.

here is a pic of the two meters.
PG&E already okay the 2nd meter.

 

[kenny_ca]

and to complicate this a little more..
i already purchased the two - 2" RMC pipes.
and the 2/0 CU wire (i can't return)
the RMC i can return, assuming I need a bigger pipe if i did the 1 riser approach.

i purchased the items after talking to the city inspector desk. they said they will give me the power connection slip if I did the 2 risers.. but PG&E said i should use the 1 riser.
In the area, i see two risers in a lot of homes, so maybe the worker doing the connection will just do it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I like gutters feeding multiple meters vs multiple riser pipes...

Have you done load calcs?

 

[Jim greengo]

How is it getting metered? One meter or two? Really would like some more info on the situation.

You can always parallel 2x 2/0 cu or 2x 4/0 al to get 400A. Technically 2x 200A main breakers does not mean you need 400A service conductors, but I would be hesitant to apply that rule.

 

[Jim greengo]

I like gutters feeding multiple meters vs multiple riser pipes...

Have you done load calcs?

 

[Jim greengo]

and to complicate this a little more..
i already purchased the two - 2" RMC pipes.
and the 2/0 CU wire (i can't return)
the RMC i can return, assuming I need a bigger pipe if i did the 1 riser approach.

i purchased the items after talking to the city inspector desk. they said they will give me the power connection slip if I did the 2 risers.. but PG&E said i should use the 1 riser.
In the area, i see two risers in a lot of homes, so maybe the worker doing the connection will just do it.

Last time I checked #2 copper was good for 125a on a main anyway,not 200a.

 

[Bert_]

Last time I checked #2 copper was good for 125a on a main anyway,not 200a.

Who said anything about #2?

2/0 is 175A or 200 for residential service.

 

[kenny_ca]

no.. i have not done any load calcs.
never done one. any pointers?

 

[Norcal]

Who said anything about #2?

2/0 is 175A or 200 for residential service.

The table allowing 2/0 for a 200A residential service has been removed from the NEC, load calcs are required to use 2/0.

 

[sberry]

I thunk so, I was going to ask that very question.

 

[kenny_ca]

thanks for all the replies.. but now i am more confused than i started. LOL

 

[sberry]

I was generalizing bout it actually needing 400A wire. But, this is a duplex type situation about separate metering then,

 

[Jim greengo]

Who said anything about #2?

2/0 is 175A or 200 for residential service.

I read his post too fast,I didnt see the 2/0.
Only saw the 2,getting old/blind has its disadvantages some days.

 

[kenny_ca]

yes.. you can call it a duplex building. currently one meter combo (zinsco 100A) at the front corner of the house, no room there to install two new meter combos, so installing in a new location.

 

[kenny_ca]

so is it possible to install 2/0 wires to service 2 meters with load calcs?
currently the 2nd unit is provided on a 60A breaker, with a main service size of 100A. so I know for sure the load will be under 200A. but happens when things are added in the future? say the new load calc will be 250A for the two panels, will i need to pull in new service wires?

 

[kenny_ca]

new updates..
so the city signed the meter release form. i called up the project manager to schedule the disconnect/reconnect. and he wants only one riser!!! i guess it depends on who you get, because there are lots of homes in the area ( on my street) with 2 risers to two meter panels.

so i'm now tasked to install a "hot gutter" as requested by the PG&E rep. is it possible to still use 2/0 CU wire?
my load for the first meter panel right now is about 12,580 VA
and 2nd meter panel is 22,072 VA
would like to install a car charger in the future. which puts me at 41,564 VA total for the two meters

so my question is, can i still use my 2/0 CU wires to feed the two 200A panels?