A minimum size conductor that may be installed in parallel is ______ AWG?

The minimum size conductor that may be installed in parallel is specified as 1/0 AWG. This is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines, which dictate certain requirements for conductor installations.

When installing conductors in parallel, the NEC stipulates that each conductor must be of a certain minimum size to ensure safety and proper current distribution. Conductors that are too small can lead to overheating and potentially hazardous conditions, such as electrical fires.

In practical applications, installing multiple conductors in parallel without adhering to the minimum size requirement can result in unequal loading, where one conductor carries more current than the others. This situation could increase the risk of conductor damage and system failure. Therefore, the NEC sets the minimum size at 1/0 AWG to help mitigate these risks and ensure reliable operation in electrical systems.

This is why selecting a conductor smaller than 1/0 AWG for parallel installation would not be compliant with code and could pose safety hazards.