What is the minimum size equipment grounding conductor required for a 200 Amp service?

The minimum size equipment grounding conductor required for a 200 Amp service is 6 AWG. This determination is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which provide specific requirements for the sizing of grounding conductors.

When sizing the equipment grounding conductor, one key factor to consider is the size of the overcurrent protective device and the ampacity of the service conductors. According to NEC Table 250.122, the proper size for an equipment grounding conductor can be identified based on the rating of the protection device. For a 200 Amp service, the minimum size grounding conductor is 6 AWG copper.

Using a conductor that is too small could result in inadequate grounding, which may lead to unsafe conditions during faults or overloads. Conversely, using a conductor that is larger than required, while acceptable, is generally unnecessary and may increase costs and installation complexity without providing additional safety benefits.