From the main service electric counter to the distribution box in our home; are about 130 ft.(undergroung using PVC pipes) I need 1/0 thhn (i think so) aluminum or cooper wires . What is the difference between? Which could be a good selection for us due to both are expensive? Please help.
copper, however i don't know the rules in your country where ever that might be. but in Australia you are not allowed more than 36 meters from a switchboard to point of use (so including cord attached to appliance) so 36m is around 118 feet, so i know its a pain in the *** but I'm going to say if you want it to be safe you need to install a sub-board along the line somewhere or run it from another sub-board elsewhere in the house. I'm guessing you've done your research so I'm just going to say be careful, make sure you isolate the power properly, etc, etc. i wish you all the best with your diy electrical if you need more help don't hesitate to email me cheers and all the best Maxxi
They have different Ampacity ratings. Also, Cu is more expensive than Al but carries more current (Amps). You need to know your load. You need to provide the Ampere rating of your panel's main breaker for an answer. 130' length implies a voltage drop calculation, Vd. The best I can do to help you is offr this likely unwelcomed advise: Just from the terminology used and nature of the question; I'd advise using an electrical contractor. Insurance likes that, and it's a life safety trade for a very good reason. Sorry if I dissapointed. Be safe!
130 feet is a bit far, but not quite so much that you need to upsize because of it. The ampere rating of the main breaker determines the wire size. In addition, aluminum or copper may be chosen. A square inch of aluminum can only carry about 2/3 as much energy as a square inch of copper, so aluminum wires have to be a couple sizes bigger. 100 amp____4 cu____2 al 150 amp____1 cu___2/0 al 200 amp__2/0 cu___4/0 al Historically, aluminum has been for cheapskates. Today, copper can break your bank. Copper will last longer. Both will probably last longer than you. I've been an electrician for 12 years. I'd use copper.
The decision to use copper or aluminum is usually more of a matter of personal preference. There are those who will swear that aluminum is bad. They are only voicing their opinions, not facts from the National Electrical Code. I have used both. They each have their time/place. The real determiner will be the size of the service (in amps). You did not state that. Please update your post for more accurate answers. Aluminum is going to be cheaper than copper. The trade off is going to be current capacity. You will need to use 2 sizes larger to achieve the same current capacity as copper. You may want to post your conduit size. The conduit fill capacity may help determine this answer too. You should consider ease of pulling the wires. Remember that aluminum will need to be 2 sizes larger. It may not hurt to post your location. Although the NEC does allow the use of aluminum wire for this purpose, there are some jurisdictions that do not allow it. UPDATE: For your 100 amp feeder, use 1/0 aluminum or #2 copper
Juan, Although cheaper, aluminum wire is inferior to copper wire. I didn't think you could even use aluminum wire anymore. At any rate, copper wire is certainly a better choice. Good luck.
