Prepare for the North Carolina Home Inspector Exam! Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each providing hints and detailed explanations. Pass your exam with confidence!

Each practice test/flash card set has 50 randomly selected questions from a bank of over 500. You'll get a new set of questions each time!

Practice this question and more.


What size service wire is used for a 200-amp service if copper is used?

  1. 1/0

  2. 2/0

  3. 3/0

  4. 4/0

The correct answer is: 2/0

For a 200-amp electrical service using copper wire, the appropriate size is 2/0. This wire size is chosen based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which specify the minimum wire gauge required to safely carry electrical current without overheating and to ensure that the installation meets code requirements. 2/0 copper wire has sufficient cross-sectional area to handle the continuous load that a 200-amp service may demand. Using wire that is too small can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards, while using a larger wire than necessary can be an unnecessary expense. In electrical installations, wire size is critical for safety and performance. Service wires must accommodate the expected load and comply with local codes, which often align with NEC standards. Therefore, selecting 2/0 copper wire for a 200-amp service is based on industry standards ensuring optimal safety and efficiency in electrical systems.