I was talking with a couple of newer linemen on the job today, and it made me wonder: what’s the most common wire size you all encounter in the field? I usually work with 1/0 and 2/0 aluminum for residential lines, but I’m curious if everyone’s seeing the same or something different.
I’ve found that while 1/0 and 2/0 are common for residential, in some areas, 3/0 is creeping in, especially for larger service demands. It really depends on local codes and system load. Have you noticed any shifts in wire preferences in your region?
It’s funny you mention 1/0 and 2/0, those are definitely the workhorses for residential lines. I’ve seen some places starting to use 3/0, especially where load demands are higher, but it can get tricky with local codes. , sometimes I just wish they’d standardize things. Have you noticed any shifts in wire size along your routes?
I’ve mostly used 1/0 and 2/0 too, but I’ve noticed on some jobs, especially when there’s heavy equipment involved, a thicker wire can really make a difference in reducing voltage drop. Have you seen that in your area?