What Size Wire for 200 Amps? Service Entrance Wire
200 Amp Service Wire Chart
| Wire Material | Size | Ampacity (75°C) | Conduit Size | Cost/ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Copper | 2/0 AWG | 145A | 2 inch | $3.50–5.00 |
| Aluminum | 4/0 AWG | 150A | 2.5 inch | $1.80–3.00 |
200 Amp Service Installation Requirements
- Panel: 200A main breaker panel (40-space minimum recommended)
- Wire: 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum (4-conductor: 2 hot + neutral + ground)
- Meter: 200A rated meter base
- Ground: 2 ground rods (6 ft apart) or 1 ground rod + Ufer ground
- Permits: Most jurisdictions require electrical permit and inspection for service upgrades
Frequently Asked Questions
What size wire for 200 amps?
2/0 AWG copper (145A at 75°C) or 4/0 AWG aluminum (150A at 75°C) per NEC. Note: service entrance conductors have special NEC 230.42 rules that allow the wire to be sized to the service rating rather than 125%.
What size conduit for 200 amp service?
For 2/0 AWG copper: 2 inch conduit. For 4/0 AWG aluminum: 2.5 inch conduit. Use Schedule 80 PVC or rigid metal conduit for underground runs. SER cable doesn't need conduit.
Do I need 200 amp service?
Most modern homes need 200A service. If you have: central AC, electric range, electric dryer, electric water heater, and EV charger — 200A is necessary. Older homes with gas appliances may be fine with 100A.
Disclaimer: For preliminary design only. Verify against local codes and professional engineering requirements.