New construction, running wire from meter to 200 amp main breaker box.
Opt 1. Run approx 65 feet of correct cable (4/0 almuninum?) Up the wall, across attic, and back down to box. ( All inside the house)
Opt 2. Run approx 15' of (2/0 copper THHN?) thru conduit outside and another 15 inside. Does this still need to be in conduit once in the house?
Other thoughts? Due to design of stairwell etc, there is no short path inside to the box.
My dad is an electrician, I am not. Just getting that out of the way.
I vote for Option 2. I would use conduit but again, refer to the disclaimer. If I were not at work I could text him and ask.
Why do you have such a long run from the meter to the main panel?
Sounds like a good time to go wireless.
My 1974 house has a long run of aluminum conductor stapled to the underside of the floor joists. I don't think that's a good thing. I would use conduit but I'm not fluent in NEC, especially residential.
Second for dad being licensed for many years (until about 2 years ago). I was the helper many times and somewhat up to speed on residential wiring code at one point. I’m not sure NEC allows anywhere near that length of run from the meter to the main panel, I believe it’s supposed to be short as possible (6 feet or less).
Is there a disconnect / breaker incorporated into the meter box? Otherwise you’d essentially have an unprotected feeder running all that distance to the main breaker.
Your probably going to need an electrician for this one as the installation will likely need to be inspected and signed off. The Twp Inspector and the utility company will both have input on where the equipment should be.
I don't think SC allows aluminum to be run into a structure.
My preference is copper. Aluminum is cheaper, but it is know for corrosion and causing fires.
It's also going to require conduit or be an approved service entrance cable at a guess. You really need to read your local codes. They vary state to state in many cases.
Try here.
https://up.codes/viewer/michigan/mi-residential-code-2015/chapter/38/wiring-methods#38
Edit: Here as well.
https://up.codes/viewer/michigan/mi-residential-code-2015/chapter/36/services#36
Conductors have to be physically protected. Individual THHN conductors have to be in a raceway. The aluminum cable assembly is protected by a sheath.
There are specific rules on how to do what you are thinking, but they fail me. I don't do residential work for a living. But I think once inside the structure, service conductors can only be so long before they terminate in a panel.
I agree with Toyman, copper is the best way to go. But that is my personal opinion. Aluminum doesn't do well if installed improperly.
Where is the service disconnect? Per NEC 2017, article 230.70, "The service disconnecting means shall be installed at a readily available location either outside the building or structure or inside nearest the point of entrance of the service conductors." If you're using the main breaker in the panel as the service disconnect, it sounds like it may be too far away from the point of entrance to the building, and you may need to include a separate main disconnect.
The ampacity of the wire depends on what type is used and how it's installed. Also, some types are rated only for installation outside the building and not inside, so it can get complicated. I know you need #3/0 copper THHN/THWN for a 200 amp service, but I don't have much knowledge about USE triplex service entrance cable used for residential work (I'm an electrical engineer but all my experience is in industrial work.)
One other thing - I don't know where you live, but some states have adopted the 2020 revision of the NEC and I believe it will require a disconnect on the exterior of the house. That's already common in a few parts of the country, but it will be new to most others.
The project is in Georgia and will be subject to inspection.
The meter box is on the wall where the stairwell is, no good way around, just up and over. House is 2 story plus a walk out basement. Breaker box will be in the kitchen, roughly the center of the house.
I want to run conduit outside, my brother wants to go up the wall, across the attic, and back down to the kitchen.
Currently nothing has been installed, just in planning stages. Want to put the meter on the corner to be hidden from view and be close to HVAC units outside.
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