Final answer:
The 2/0 aluminum conductor installed for underground services to new homes is designed to deliver a standard residential service of 100 to 200 amps. The actual capacity can vary due to several factors. A 100 amp service operating at 80% capacity at 120 volts consumes 9.6 kilowatts and would cost approximately $1036.80 for a month at $0.15 per kWh.
Step-by-step explanation:
Underground services to new homes using 2/0 aluminum conductor or larger are typically designed to provide a service capable of delivering a normal residential electricity service amperage, which is commonly 100 or 200 amps. The actual current-carrying capacity can vary based on several factors, including the insulation type, installation conditions, and local electrical codes.
If a home with a 100 amp service operates at 80% of its rated capacity, it would be consuming 80 amps. Since power (P) is the product of current (I) and voltage (V), we can calculate the power consumption at 120V as P = I x V, which gives us P = 80 amps x 120V = 9600 watts or 9.6 kilowatts. Over the course of a month (assuming 30 days), the total energy consumed would be 9.6 kW x 24 hours/day x 30 days = 6912 kWh. At a cost of $0.15 per kWh, the monthly cost would amount to 6912 kWh x $0.15/kWh = $1036.80.
The size of the aluminum wire is important because it determines the current-carrying capacity which is necessary for ensuring the home electrical system can handle the required load. This is measured using the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system. The higher the gauge number, the smaller the wire diameter, with common household wiring ranging from 14-gauge to 10-gauge for typical circuits.