What Size Conduit for a 200-Amp Service?

For a 200-amp residential service entrance, the standard conduit size is 2-inch EMT, IMC, RMC, or PVC depending on the conductor material:

Why 2-inch is the common pick

Three factors:

1. Manufactured meter base hubs are most commonly 1-1/2" or 2" knockouts. 2" provides margin for the riser nipple.
2. Inspection routine — most AHJs expect 2" for 200A service; smaller raceway gets flagged for re-verification.
3. Pulling tension — 200A conductors are heavy; the extra room in 2" eases the pull.

Service entrance configuration

Typical 200A residential service in 2-inch EMT or IMC riser:

• 2 × 2/0 copper (or 4/0 aluminum) — hots
• 1 × 2/0 copper (or 4/0 aluminum) — neutral
• No EGC in service entrance (bonded at main disconnect)

Total: 3 conductors. Fill in 2" EMT: 19.9% (copper) or 28.9% (aluminum). Lots of headroom.

Underground service lateral

Below grade, PVC is the common choice:

• 2-inch PVC Schedule 80 above grade (riser, where exposed to physical damage)
• 2-inch PVC Schedule 40 below grade in the trench

PVC Sch 80 at 2" has 2.874 in² interior (vs Sch 40's 3.291 in²). With 4/0 aluminum × 3 = 0.971 in², Sch 80 fills to 33.8% — passes.

When 2-inch isn't enough

Some 200A configurations push to 2-1/2 inch:

• 3/0 copper standard (non-dwelling): 2-inch fits at 24.0% — still fine actually
• 250 kcmil aluminum (non-dwelling): 2-inch fills to 35.4% — fits but tight
• 350 kcmil for derating margin: 350 kcmil aluminum × 3 = 1.582 in² needs 2-1/2" (15.8% fill)

Quick reference

• Standard service raceway: 2-inch EMT, IMC, RMC, or PVC
• Dwelling exception conductors: 2/0 Cu or 4/0 Al
• Standard conductors: 3/0 Cu or 250 kcmil Al
• Meter base hub: 2" knockout typical
• PVC riser: Sch 80 above grade, Sch 40 below

For 400A or larger services, see the conduit fill calculator — typically 3-inch or 3-1/2-inch for 400A.