Upgrading a house from 100A to 200A service, meter to main panel run is about 10 feet.

For a 200A service, here are your conductor options:

Aluminum (XHHW-2 or RHH/RHW-2):

• 4/0 AWG aluminum is the minimum size required for 200A service per NEC Table 310.15(B)(19). This is the standard choice for most residential 200A services.

Copper (XHHW-2 or RHH/RRW-2):

• 250 kcmil copper is required for 200A service per NEC Table 310.15(B)(19).

Additional considerations:

• You'll need 3 conductors total (2 hots + neutral) for a 120/240V service, plus an equipment grounding conductor sized per Table 250.122 (typically #6 AWG copper or #4 AWG aluminum for 200A).
• The 10-foot run is well within the 10-foot limit for using the main panel's built-in overcurrent protection as your service disconnect, so no separate disconnect is needed.
• Verify your utility company's requirements - some have specific conductor size or material restrictions.
• Ensure your main panel's lugs are rated for the conductor size and material you choose.

Safety note: Electrical service upgrades involve live work and permit requirements. This work typically requires a licensed electrician and electrical permit. The utility company may also need to disconnect/reconnect service.

Aluminum: 4/0 AWG (minimum). Copper: 2/0 AWG (minimum).

Code Basis (2023 NEC):

• 310.12(B) / Table 310.12: For a 200A single-phase dwelling service, the minimum conductor size is 4/0 Al or 2/0 Cu. This table permits 83% of the service rating for the service entrance conductors (166A ampacity minimum).
• 310.16 (75°C column): 4/0 Al = 180A; 2/0 Cu = 175A. Both exceed the 166A minimum.
• 230.23(B) / 230.31: Service entrance conductors require a minimum rating of 600V (Type XHHW-2, USE-2, or THHN/THWN-2 in conduit). SE cable (Type SER/SEU) is not permitted outdoors for the meter-to-panel run if exposed to weather/sunlight unless specifically rated "Sunlight Resistant" and installed per 338.10(B)(4)—conduit is standard for this 10-ft exterior/exposed run.

Grounding Electrode Conductor (250.66):

• 4/0 Al Service: 2 AWG Cu (or 1/0 Al) to ground rods/ufer.
• 2/0 Cu Service: 4 AWG Cu to ground rods/ufer.

Equipment Grounding Conductor (Table 250.122):

• 200A OCPD: 6 AWG Cu or 4 AWG Al (run inside the raceway with the phase/neutral conductors).

Conduit Size (Chapter 9, Table 4/5):

• 4/0 Al (3 conductors + 6 Cu EGC): Minimum 2-inch Schedule 40/80 PVC or Rigid.
• 2/0 Cu (3 conductors + 6 Cu EGC): Minimum 1½-inch (tight); 2-inch recommended for easier pull.

Critical Notes:

1. Utility Coordination: Confirm meter socket lug sizing (often 350 kcmil max) and utility-side requirements before ordering wire.
2. Permit/Inspection: This is a service change—requires permit, utility disconnect/reconnect, and inspection. Hire a licensed electrician for the termination at the meter/utility connection point.
3. Voltage Drop: At 10 ft, V-drop is negligible (<0.5%) for either option.