ECN Forum Forums General Topics of the Trade General Discussion Area 150 A Service

Does anyone (besides me) install 150 Amp services? On a small home with gas appliances and a 60 Amp service, which needs an upgrade for central air, the load calculations still fall shy of even the minimum 100 amp mandated by code. I won't install only 100, but 200 seems excessive for such small homes. Some people feel that the materials dont cost much more for 200 than 150, so install 200. Others feel differently. Anyone?

Some people feel that the materials dont cost much more for 200 than 150, so install 200.

200 it is.

GJ

I have not found a wide gap in material prices from 150 to 200 as far as the chief components.

The big $$$$ come from long service laterals, or overhead distance spec's from the utilities ( wanting another pole due to wire size/distance)

Redsy,

Some people will never use the capacity of a 200A service and do not want the extra cost, I've noticed that too. I would give them the option. Most times it's not much difference from 150 to 200 though. If there happens to be a long or difficult run to the water main and there is a #6 copper in place already it wouldn't have to be replaced for a 150A service. Put that together with a long SEU run and it could mean a significant difference in price.

Bill

>If there happens to be a long or difficult run to the water main and there is a #6 copper in place already it wouldn't have to be replaced for a 150A service.
Okay, you got me there. Why does it have to be replaced for a 200 A service?

In my area we have only one supply house in the county and they handle ITE loadcenters. A 200A 30-40 ct. copper buss indoor loadcenter runs $147.00. A 150A loadcenter runs $180.00. A 100A 30 ct. loadcenter runs $110.00. They tell me the demand pretty much regulates the prices. They also sell a 5/8" x 8' ground rod for $2.00 less than a 1/2" x 8'. They simply sell more 5/8" rods.

DS,

The 200A service needs a #4 to the water main.

Bill

I knew you were going to say that. I wanted to know why. Is this true even if it is not being used as an electrode?

In my area, most houses have private wells.

I've not seen any situation where it was not used as part of the Electrode system. Are you saying that Wells don't have to be bonded and become part of the electrode system?

Are you saying that Wells don't have to be bonded and become part of the electrode system?

I say that if you drive two rods 6' apart outside and bond to them, you don't have to count the water main as an electrode requiring #4 copper.

Indoor plumbing must be bonded, e.g., metal pipes, tanks, control boxes, and pumps.

Outdoor wells can't normally be bonded as the pipe is usually black plastic (PE) and the casing is PVC.
I have never bonded to a well.