What Size Copper Ground Wire For 200 Amp Residential Service

Ground wire gauge needed for 200A service?

Looking to upgrade our 100A service to 200A. Last time the electric inspector was out for a separate inspection, he said we'd need to pull a larger ground wire if increasing to 200A but 150A and 100A share the same approximate basis wire.

NEC seems to land a six AWG ground is needed for 200A service, and that's what we currently have but I have also seen some comments about using a 4AWG for 200A or else extra protection of some kind is needed. Anyone know which is for sure needed for 200A service?

level 1

For 200A services, yous only need #6 copper for supplemental grounding (ground rods). Bonding (water and gas) and Ufer grounds require #iv copper.

level ane

This is the trouble with saying "ground" instead of existence specific. I am guilty of this equally well... Y'all're looking upwardly the wrong "ground."

Equipment Grounding Conductor (ECG) for 200a is 6awg copper.

Grounding Electrode Conductor (GEC) for 200a is required to exist 4awg copper.

Technically it's based on the service wire sizing, merely in the vast majority of cases the in a higher place sizing will be correct.

level 2

Ok thanks! And then to ostend, the grounding wire running from primary panel to inlet of h2o pipe downstairs is the GEC? Capeesh the help

level 1

Is this a DIY service Upgrade? 😮

level 1

Bonding for 200 amp = #iv copper Grounding Electrode 200 amp min. #vi copper

Mistake #1 never 2nd estimate the Authorisation having jurisdiction, if you lot plan on ever getting ability re connected. Delight remember that the NEC is a minimum standard, but each location has the power to require more.