The smallest equipment grounding conductor permitted to be installed with 1 AWG conductors fed from a panel is ___ AWG.

The minimum size of the equipment grounding conductor for a given circuit is determined based on the size of the conductors supplying that circuit and is specified in the National Electrical Code (NEC). For conductors up to 1 AWG, the NEC provides a guideline for selecting the appropriate grounding conductor size to ensure safety and proper grounding.

When 1 AWG conductors are used, the NEC mandates that the smallest permissible equipment grounding conductor size is 6 AWG. This size is crucial because it ensures adequate current-carrying capacity during fault conditions, aiding in the safe operation of the electrical system. A grounding conductor that is too small may not adequately protect against faults, which can lead to overheating and potential fire hazards.

It is important to reference the correct NEC tables that outline these requirements when selecting grounding conductors, as proper sizing is essential for maintaining electrical safety and compliance with regulatory standards.