Thread: 125 amp breaker panel 200 amp service

In looking at my current breaker panel I see a 125 amp main breaker. I know from speaking with the POCO that they provide 200amp to the meter. I also see 1/0 aluminum wire from the meter to the 125amp main breaker. My question is can a 1/0 aluminum safely carry the 200amps to the 125amp breaker? I have read that 200amp service to a 200amp panel should have 2/0 copper or 4/0 aluminum and while I recognize that the 125amp breaker restricts the amperage to the individual breakers how can that 1/0 aluminum carry the 200amp to the breaker? I know I just asked the same question but I am just trying to articulate my confusion.
Any help is appreciated.

Similar Threads:

• Electrical service box located in closet
• Psychedelic FP breaker
• Double wired breaker
• Welcome From F.I.R.E. Service
• From the old board, Circuit Breaker Short Circuit Fault Rating

Your 1/0 is properly sized for your 125 amp service. Your main breaker would trip if you were to try to utilize more than its' rating. What I believe was meant about the poco and the 200 amps might have just been a blanket statement regarding how they design their system. They probably just install conductors rated to carry 200 amps. This way the typical panel size can be supported without need to upgrade their infrastructure. Think of it this way, a water system can have a 12" or larger main running in front of your house. This does not mean that your water meter or interior piping needs to be sized to handle the same volume of water.

Whoa!

Nevermind.

J.M.:

You have some safety issues in the photo.

You need to get a qualified licensed electrician/contractor in there to evaluate and remediate (and some structural repair as well).

If you'd like to obtain a comprehensive report on what other safety issues you may have, I suggest you acquire the services of an on-site Home Inspector.

FYI, this is not a DIY site.

Originally Posted by Kary Krismer

I'm not sure what you're "Whoaing" about, but if you think that's the feed into the box, the feed appears to be from underground on the right. If it's something else, I'm sure you'll let me know in your own not so pleasant way.

Enlarging the picture, perhaps it's the stud.

LOL,

Of course that's not what I think, and the failing stud is NOT the only issue. But being an ex-practicing personal bankruptcy attorney-turned-realtor, I really don't care what you know or don't know, and I am in no way obligated to tell you anything, "Kary Krismer".

Realtor ex-attorneys (like children) on this site are best seen but not heard from in topics regarding the particulars of the identification, explanation, performance, and reporting of safety issues, defects, of home inspection.

I deleted my post because I realized it was you, and I have a policy of not responding to cyberbullies. FYI, your behavior says a lot of bad things about you, and I really pity you. From Wikipedia:

Further studies have shown that envy and resentment may be motives for bullying.[19] Research on the self-esteem of bullies has produced equivocal results.[20][21] While some bullies are arrogant and narcissistic,[22] others can use bullying as a tool to conceal shame or anxiety or to boost self esteem: by demeaning others, the abuser him/herself feels empowered.[23] Researchers have identified other risk factors such as depression[24] and personality disorders,[25] as well as quickness to anger and use of force, addiction to aggressive behaviors, mistaking others' actions as hostile, concern with preserving self image, and engaging in obsessive or rigid actions.[26]
It is often suggested that bullying behavior has its origin in childhood:

"If aggressive behaviour is not challenged in childhood, there is a danger that it may become habitual. Indeed, there is research evidence, to indicate that bullying during childhood puts children at risk of criminal behaviour and domestic violence in adulthood."[12]

Bullies may bully because they themselves have been the victim of bullying.[27][28][29]

I'm sorry your life is screwed up and that you're have severe emotional problems. That goes for your buddy A.D. too. I just don't want to participate in pointless exercises with juveniles.

Q: What does one call 1,000 attorneys and 500 realtors chained to the bottom of Puget Sound?

A: A good start.

Thanks Jim! Your example of the water pipe is perfect!

I, however, am confused by the other replies to my question. Are you a moderater who could explain what the heck these people are talking about?

If not no worries your answer is the only one that seems close to reality or the topic.

Thanks again.

Jeff

What I'm talking about is that HD and his friend AD regularly attack people on this site. They are aggressive cyberbullies. Often it's a person's first post on the site. I have a policy of not dealing with those people because it only encourages their juvenile behavior. That's why I deleted my post, but unfortunately I wasn't fast enough.

Originally Posted by Jeffrey Masnari

Thanks Jim! Your example of the water pipe is perfect!

I, however, am confused by the other replies to my question. Are you a moderater who could explain what the heck these people are talking about?

If not no worries your answer is the only one that seems close to reality or the topic.

Thanks again.

Jeff

Some of the above was not in any way directed to anwering your question, as you have already surmised.
However, HG Watson ("Huggy") noticed a concern in your picture and advised you to have it checked out. The stud looks like it is shattered and you have a bundle of wiring passing through a small splintered hole which could lead to damage to the insulation, short circuits, etc. At least i think that's what that was all about.

Jim I am aware of the stud situation and it will be replaced in the next week as I have decided that I am going to do a panel upgrade. I've got the wall open so I might as well get a new panel.

Thanks again for your help.

Jeff

Originally Posted by Jeffrey Masnari

Jim I am aware of the stud situation and it will be replaced in the next week as I have decided that I am going to do a panel upgrade. I've got the wall open so I might as well get a new panel.

Thanks again for your help.

Jeff

Jeff,

That was John Kogel, not Jim.

J.K. did a nice job of characterizing some of what I was indicating. Hope you acquire the services of a qualified electrician to evaluate and help direct your electrical wiring & panel calculations, remediation, and safety concerns (esp. with special needs one in the house).

Professional Home Inspectors in your area can assist you in evaluating and identifying and prioritizing your home's condition, safety, maintenance, repair, upgrade, etc. needs/projects.

I apologize to John for mixing you up with Jim. I very much appreciate the help. Thanks!

On another note H.G. how is it that you know I have a child with special needs? Unless you Googled me. In which case that really is disturbing.

Jeff