Electrical Service

[huntingfool43]

Ok folks I need some help. Trying to upgrade the service from 60 am to 100 amp on both apartments. The mast goes down into a double meter socket, what size and type of wire must be used from the weather head to the meter box? I have been told aluminum will work and then I am told it has to be copper, witch is right and what size do I need. Thanks

[GLF]

Let me see if I understand your question correctly. You will be feeding two seperate meter sockets for 100amp service each, with one set of wires?

You may use aluminum or copper wire. Aluminum wire does not have the ampacity(current carring capability) of copper wire so you will need to use a heavier wire if using aluminum.

[huntingfool43]

GLF

I will have 1 mast coming into a double meter socket. There is a bus bar inside the meter box to feed both meters.There will be a lead coming out of each meter, 1 going to the upstairs apartment and the other going to the lower apartment. They will both have new 100 amp service panels. My question is how big do I need to make the service wire running down the mast to supply 2 seperate 100 amp sevices.

[GLF]

Steve,

I have to find my electrical code book. I am not sure where it's at. When I find it, I will get you your answer.

[GLF]

For your wires up the mast from the meter bus bar, you will have to size it for a 200 amp service. This will be 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum. You will also have to change your ground wire size. You will need #6 copper wire from one of the 100 amp panels to the two grounding rods.

Mike

[huntingfool43]

Thanks Mike. Any idea what diameter a 4/0 aluminum wire is, the bought some they had labled overhead service but I think it is to small.

[GLF]

Thanks Mike. Any idea what diameter a 4/0 aluminum wire is, the bought some they had labled overhead service but I think it is to small.

I am not sure about the diameter. You should be able to see a wire size on the outside of it. Look for some white printing on the black sheathing.

[GLF]

One more thing to note Steve. You have to bond to the water lines with #4 copper. This is based on the 200 amps your have coming in.

[huntingfool43]

One more thing to note Steve. You have to bond to the water lines with #4 copper. This is based on the 200 amps your have coming in.

Mike

Is that out of one of the service panels or the meter box? If it's out of the service panel do I need 2, 1 to the stake and 1 to the water pipe? and what happens when you have all plastic water lines?

[GLF]

Mike

Is that out of one of the service panels or the meter box? If it's out of the service panel do I need 2, 1 to the stake and 1 to the water pipe? and what happens when you have all plastic water lines?

You only need to come out of one service box. If you have pvc plumbing, you will want to attach the bond wire to the water line coming in from the the well or city(not sure if you have city or well water.

Grounding rounds. You have to have 2 grounding rods no closer than 6' apart.