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Wire from electric company to house meter, in a conduit, what size?

If your house wiring goes underground in a conduit from the electric company connection to your meter at your house, how many inches in diameter is that conduit pipe? It depends on whether you have 100A service, 200A, 300A, or 400A. What does the diameter have to be in those cases?

Update:

If I wanted to call the electric company, I would call them instead of posting my question here. That should be obvious.

Update 2:

If the NEC has the answers, all I have to do is find the NEC online, and it has conduit sizes for different sizes of wires, etc.? Any hints on finding it?

6 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    per nec tables

    100A, 3-1conductor #2 awg type thw 75C, conduit 1-1/2"

    200A, 3-1conductor #3/0 awg type thw 75C, conduit 2-1/2"

    300A, not standard

    400A, 3-1conductor 600 mcm type thw 75C, conduit 4"

    conduit size determined by nec based on percent fill.

  • Dave
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    USA Per the National Electric Code, conduit size is based on the number and size of conductors, not how many amps. For example, three 3/0 copper THHN conductors will fit into a 2 inch conduit, whether for a 100 or 200 amp service. However, utilities do have the authority to regulate the size of the conduit. Most underground services up to 400 amp are in minimum 3 inch diameter conduit, provided the conduit length does not exceed two hundred feet, the conductor size does not exceed 500 KCMIL, and a maximum three conductors. Definitely check with your local electric utility or a licensed electrician.

  • 1 decade ago

    Different local utilities have different requirements for conduit sizing. Some will go by the National Electrical Code, and others (most) will go by their own specifications. A call to your local utility company will get you your best answer. Utility companies like to keep things as simple as possible so many use only 2 sizes of conduit, 2" and 4''. This helps to cut down on stuff they need to have on the trucks and in the warehouses and the larger pipe sizes make installing the with into the conduit much easier. Call them to get the right answer.

  • 1 decade ago

    here in shelbyville tn i have 2ea 200 amp boards. 3-1/2 " is the required dia. be smart and contact your electric provider for correct size

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  • Ed
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    http://www.nfpa.org/aboutthecodes/list_of_codes_an... will get you to NFPA Codes on Line. NEC is #70. You will be able to see the NEC, but not copy it.

  • 5 years ago

    the cable belongs to the power co.if you mess with this cable you are liable for any damage to the cable and any power co equipment.that is why the p.c has an easement,also more then likely the cable is hot from the pole to the meter.

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