Allowed Conduit Type for a Home Electrical Panel

Is there a maximum length that the line can be in the wall before it enters the panel? How to Determine Which Conduit to Use for the Main Service.

How to Determine Which Conduit to Use for the Main Service

Question: Is there a maximum length that the line can be in the wall before it enters the panel?

I am installing a 200 amp service panel (semi- flush) in a 2 story residential house.

• The service is overhead and I’m using 2″ EMT conduit.
  • My question: Is there a code problem here, since the service line is entering the building before is it fussed?
  • Is there a max. length that the line can be in the wall before it enters the panel?
  • Can I run the mast up through the second floor? etc..
  • I will ask my inspector, but since they have Friday’s off (due to budget cuts) I was just look for some comments.

This electrical question came from: Tom, a Contractor from Los Angeles, California.
See more about Home Wiring for California

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Tom.

Conduit Type for Home Electrical Service

• The type of conduit that is allowed in your area is determined by your locale building department and the electric utility company.
• In my area I can only install rigid steel conduit or IMC, however in other locations I have see Rigid PVC Conduit being used.
• As for the length of the approved conduit, there should not be a limitation as long as the length does not produce voltage drop.

The Following links will assist you with your Home Electrical Panel

Electric panel

• House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers
• This article looks at common 120 volt and 240 volt house wiring circuits and the circuit breakers that are installed identifying the types and amperage sizes used in most homes.

electrical code

Electrical Code Articles
Electrical Code Directory covering AFCI circuit, electrical-boxes, electrical-circuit, electrical-code-outlets, electrical GFCI, electrical-grounding, electrical-project, electrical-services, electrical-underground, electrical-wiring, electrical-wiring-code, lighting-code, smoke-detector,

For more information about Rewiring a Home
Rewiring a Home

Rewiring a Home
Great ideas for home electrical rewiring that will add value to your home and bring it up to the current safety and energy efficient electrical codes.

This link is helpful as a Contractor
Electrical Code Articles

» You Can Avoid Costly Mistakes! « Here's How to Do It: Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book Great for any Home Wiring Project. Complete Guide to Home Electrical Wiring Perfect for Homeowners, Students, Handyman, Handy Women, and Electricians Includes: Wiring GFCI Outlets Wiring Home Electric Circuits 120 Volt and 240 Volt Outlet Circuits Wiring Light Switches Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Electric Range Wiring 3-Wire and 4-Wire Dryer Cord and Dryer Outlet How to Troubleshoot and Repair Electrical Wiring Wiring Methods for Upgrading Electrical Wiring NEC Codes for Home Electrical Wiring ....and much more.

Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.

More articles about Conduit for Main Service and Home Electrical Wiring:
« Previous	Next »
Why a Neutral Electrical Circuit Wire May Be Hot	Light Fixture Trips Circuit Breaker