You are building a single-family home in Grand Rapids. The homeowner wants to install a 200-amp electrical service. According to Michigan electrical requirements, what size copper service entrance conductors are typically required?
Correct Answer
B) #3/0 AWG
For a 200-amp service, #3/0 AWG copper conductors are typically required to safely carry the electrical load according to Michigan electrical code requirements.
Why This Is the Correct Answer
#3/0 AWG (000) copper conductors are the standard NEC-compliant size for a 200-amp service entrance. Per NEC Table 310.12, #3/0 AWG copper has an ampacity of 200 amps under typical service conditions, making it the correct minimum size for this application.
Why the Other Options Are Wrong
Option A: #2 AWG
#2 AWG copper has a standard ampacity of 95 amps — far below the 200-amp requirement. Using #2 AWG for a 200-amp service would create a significant safety hazard from overheating and is not code-compliant for this load.
Option C: #4 AWG
#4 AWG copper is rated for approximately 70 amps, which is even smaller than #2 AWG. It is completely inadequate for a 200-amp service and would be used for circuits such as a 60-amp sub-panel or a large appliance branch circuit.
Option D: #1/0 AWG
#1/0 AWG copper is rated for approximately 125–150 amps depending on installation conditions. It is larger than #2 AWG but still insufficient for a 200-amp service. It is sometimes used for 150-amp services or as the neutral conductor in some 200-amp configurations, which may cause confusion.
Memory Technique
For 200-amp copper service: '200 amps = 3/0.' You can remember it as '200 ÷ 100 = 2, and one step up in the 0-gauge series = 3/0.' Alternatively memorize the NEC service table triplet: 100A = #4 AWG aluminum or #1/0 AWG copper… 200A = #2/0 aluminum or #3/0 copper.
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