Do it Yourself: Re: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

12 February 2013

Re: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

Beleive it or not 6 gauge (service cable is the corrrect size for 150 amps). You do not have to use 2/0 ccopper for the meters. You can use SE cable copper 4 gauge or aluminum 2 gauge with the appropriate ground. It is much less exspensive than the 2/0 Copper. Ii got a price of about $220 for 200 feet. The only thing about using large gauge aluminum wire is that it creeps so once a year you should shut the power down and retighten the clamps.

HTH

John

-----Original Message-----
From: Michael Baldwin
Sent: Feb 11, 2013 1:17 PM
To: DoIt_Yourself@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Update RE: [DIY] Electrical troubles

Well, finally figured out why I was missing one leg of my power service.

The wires in an old meter box, that was being used for a J-box were causing the issue. it was strange it happened only during windy times. although it was on my side of the meter, the power company did a temp fix for me at no charge. It is highly recommended I upgrade my service to 200 amp as well. I have 150 amp service, and there is 6 gauge wire going from the meter to this old meter location and connects with what the electrician called range wire, and then connects to the 150 amp panel. The other idea would be to run the correct wire from the meter to the panel, which I would size for 200 amp anyways. He will be bringing by a new meter can for me later today, at no charge. I still think it is going to be pricy, by the time I get the disconnect close to the meter, the about 50 foot of OO copper wire and all the rest.

For now, I will connect in to the same 150 amp box, otherwise the permit will get very expensive, because they will charge per new breaker, and if I install a new box at the time of the upgrade, that will add up. But after the upgrade and all checks out, I can add a new 200 amp breaker box, and not need a permit to do so.

thanks for all the suggestions, and if anyone wants to offer suggestions or ideas on the upgrade to 200 amp, I'll take them.

Michael