How to Wire a 200 Amp Electrical Service for Your Home

Intro

Wiring a 200 amp electrical service can seem daunting, but with proper planning and by following code requirements, you can safely upgrade your home's electrical capacity. A 200 amp service provides enough power for most homes, even those with high electricity usage. This article will walk you through the complete process of wiring a 200 amp service step-by-step. I'll cover the materials you'll need, wiring methods, installing the electrical panel, making connections, and getting inspections. With the right preparation and attention to safety, you can wire your home for 200 amps and enjoy the benefits of ample electricity for years to come.

Electrical Load Calculation

Before beginning the wiring project, the first step is to calculate your home's electrical load to ensure a 200 amp service will meet your needs. Consider all existing and planned electricity usage, including:

• Major appliances like refrigerators, stoves, air conditioners, etc. Check nameplate ratings to add up wattages.
• Smaller appliances and electronics like microwaves, computers, TVs.
• Lighting circuits
• Electric heaters, hot water heaters
• Pool pumps or other outdoor equipment
• Future expansion needs

Add up the total wattage and divide by 240 volts. This gives you the amps needed. For most homes, a 200 amp service has capacity between 150-200 amps, which is sufficient. If your load calculation exceeds this, a larger service may be needed.

Materials and Wiring

Here are the main materials you'll need:

• 200 amp load center - The central breaker panel where all wiring terminates. A minimum 40 circuit panel is recommended.
• 4/0 awg copper wires - For the service feeders from your main panel to the utility hookup. 4/0 can handle 200 amps.
• 1/0 awg copper wires - For the ground wire. Should match largest hot wire size.
• Conduit - Protective piping for running wires. 1.5" PVC conduit is typical.
• Breakers - Individual circuit breakers to be installed in the panel, rated for branch circuit loads.
• Disconnect - Mounted on outside of house to cut power for safety.

The electrical service feeders should use 4/0 copper wires run through PVC conduit between the utility hookup and main panel. Follow local codes for sizing. The ground wire is bonded to the conduit. All wiring must be copper for a 200 amp service.

Installing the New Panel

With materials acquired, you're ready to install the new 200 amp main panel, which involves:

• Mounting the panel securely on a wall with adequate workspace around it. Garages or dedicated utility rooms are ideal locations.
• Running conduit between the panel and your utility meter or hookup location outside. Leave access points for pulling wires.
• Bonding neutral and ground wires and connecting to grounding rods driven into the earth. This ensures safety.
• Pulling wires from the main panel through conduit to the service drop. Leaving extra wire length allows for connections.
• Making knockouts for running individual branch circuits. Follow code for size and location.

Safety tip: When working in the main panel, always cut power at the disconnect first! Verify wires are dead using a multimeter before handling.

Making Connections

Once the panel is securely mounted on the wall with service entrance conduit installed, it's time to make the final connections:

• Carefully pull the 4/0 awg service feeder wires from the main breaker out through the conduit to the service drop or meter.
• If not already done, also pull the full-length ground wire. Make sure insulation is intact.
• Terminate the wires at the main lugs in the panel according to diagram inside the door. Torque properly.
• Connect neutral and ground bus bars together with a bonding screw or wire.
• Install individual circuit breakers as needed. Follow amperage ratings.
• Neatly route short branch circuit wires from breakers, labeling everything clearly.
• Double check all connections are tight and corrosion-free. Service wires must make full contact.

Inspections and Hookup

Before turning on the new 200 amp service, be sure to:

• Call for electrical inspection by the local building department. They will check if everything meets code requirements before approving.
• If there is a power outage needed, arrange in advance with the utility company.
• Remove old meter base and install a new 200 amp rated base if needed.
• Utility company will come lock the meter in place and restore external hookup to home.
• Close the main disconnect before turning everything back on for the first time.
• Flip main breaker on and verify voltage at outlets. Start with no major loads.
• Gradually populate breakers and test circuits.

Take your time with the final connections and inspections. The utility hookup process varies, so coordinate with your company. With the job complete, you can relax knowing your electrical service is now powered safely for the long run. Enjoy that satisfying feeling of seeing the final product working!

Conclusion

Upgrading home electrical service to 200 amps provides flexibility for current and future needs. Follow code carefully, use quality copper wiring, and make safety the top focus. With good planning and attention to detail during installation, you can have your upgraded electrical service running smoothly. Don't hesitate to call in a professional electrician if any part of the process is unclear. A licensed electrician can ensure your 200 amp service meets all requirements. Investing in adequate home electrical capacity pays off for years down the road.