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Electrical Wire and Cable


Is Welding Cable Permitted for a 200 Amp Electrical Service

Can I use welding cable in place of solid wire to route from the meter box to the breaker panel…


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Is Welding Cable Permitted for a 200 Amp Electrical Service
Background: Gordon, a Homeowner from Arvada, Colorado
[ad#block]Question: Can I use welding cable in place of solid wire to route from the meter box to the breaker panel. I am not sure how to bend 000 wire to make the bends.

I need to upgrade to 200 amp service for the solar company to install the photovoltaic system.

Thank you.

Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical question Gordon.
Gordon all the specs look good for the welding cable with one exception, that welding cable is not an approved cable unless it specifically has a Dual Rating which is required by the NEC Defined Cable Rating and the cable size may have to be increased depending on the loads that would be placed on the circuit.

When installing 3/0 cable to the 200 amp service make sure that the entry point is in line with the lug terminals in the panels to minimize the number of bends. Using a good pair of gloves will help bend the cable. There are cable benders available from your local electrical wholesale supply house or over the internet

The Following links will assist you with your electrical question:

Electrical Junction Boxes
Electrical Code for How Many Wires in Junction Boxes

Circuit Breakers
House Wiring Circuits and Circuit Breakers

Electrical Panel Circuit Listing

Electrical Codes for Services
Wiring Electrical Codes

Electrical Wire for the Home

For more information about 220 Volt Wiring Diagram
220 Volt Wiring Diagram

This link is helpful as a Homeowner
Do-It-Yourself Electrical

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The following may also be helpful for you:

Dave's Guide to Home Electrical Wiring:

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Here's How to Do It:
Wire It Right with the help of my Illustrated Wiring Book

Great for any Home Wiring Project.
  electrical wiring  

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.


Learn more about Home Electrical Wiring
with my Online Video Course:
Basic Home Electrical Wiring by Example


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

Electrical Tips to Help You Wire it Right

The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!

The Non-Contact Electrical Tester
This is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.

The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!

The Plug-In Outlet Tester
This is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring.
It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.

Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!

The Wire Stripper and Wire Cutter
My absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires.
This handy tool has multiple uses:
The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation.
The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets..

The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use.


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