Three types of copper wire are required for a 200-amp electrical service: #2/0 AWG copper wire, #4/0 AWG aluminum, or copper-clad wire if it is run inside a three-phase circuit. 200 AMP ground wire size for 3 phase service With a water ground, you can connect directly to your home’s plumbing system without having to run an extra cable. It is best to use the #6 AWG wire since it has the lowest resistance and can carry a large amount of current. Water ground:Ī water ground connection is also an option for a service entrance. Moreover, it can handle any potential issue that may arise when power is fed to an AC unit. For service entrance ground electrodes, copper wire with a 4 AWG diameter has the lowest resistance of all ground wires. To ensure a safe connection, use #4 or heavier gauge wire for connection. Copper ground:Ī copper ground wire of #4 AWG can handle 200 amps. Due to the lack of a grounding conductor in this situation, 4 AWG copper wire will be used to provide a safe connection between the service entrance and the AC unit. It could be used as the ground return if the building had an equipment grounding conductor. A building’s air-conditioning unit is powered by this feeder. Ufer ground is allowed when there is no equipment grounding conductor available and the builder determines that the absence of one does not pose a safety hazard. Ufer ground:Ī 200-amp feeder needs 4 AWG ufer grounding conductors. The #4 AWG is not strong enough to carry the necessary current through equipment. The minimum size for a service entrance ground electrode is #6 AWG because it has the lowest resistance. An equipment grounding conductor or electrode must be attached to the building structure directly to connect equipment grounds. Equipment ground:įor equipment grounds, #6 AWG is the minimum and #4 AWG is the maximum. A wire with a diameter of 1 or 3 AWG will not meet all of the safety requirements for a GFCI. There is a no smaller size that conducts electricity and still meets the safety requirements of a GFCI than #2 AWG. That means you can go no larger than #2 AWG for 200-amp service. The grounding electrode system must be sized as a #2 AWG exposed wire if you have a metal grounding receptacle with an aluminum sheath. Aluminum ground:Ī ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) must be rated at 200 amps at a minimum. Ground electrode systems consist of a grounding conductor and the equipment they serve.Īs a grounding conductor, #4 AWG copper conductors can be used without being damaged by aggressive soils and corrosive atmospheres in which they may be buried. Use the same size grounded receptacle with #4 AWG metal ground wire. Bare/Earth ground:įor 200-amp service, #4 AWG copper conductors are perfect. Listed below are the sizes and requirements for different types of groundings. The National Electrical Code (NEC) requires all electrical equipment and ground conductors entering any structure to have grounding electrode systems. Electrical fires can cause serious injury to you and your family if there is no GFCI installed. Additionally, you should always use a ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) when inspecting and testing your electrical system.
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