What is the required minimum size for equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) installed in PVC conduits from a generator with a 1,200-ampere overcurrent device?

The required minimum size for equipment grounding conductors (EGCs) installed in PVC conduits from a generator with a 1,200-ampere overcurrent device is determined by the National Electrical Code (NEC) guidelines. According to the NEC, the size of the EGC is based on the rating of the overcurrent device and the material of the conductor used for grounding.

For a 1,200-ampere system, the NEC specifies that the minimum size for copper grounding conductors is 3/0 AWG. This ensures that the grounding system can adequately handle fault currents without exceeding the conductor's capacity, thus protecting equipment and ensuring safety.

Choosing a conductor that is too small might lead to overheating or failure during a fault condition, which poses a safety risk. On the other hand, selecting a larger conductor than needed is generally permissible but not necessary if it exceeds the code minimum requirement for the specific application at hand.

Thus, 3/0 AWG copper is the appropriate choice in this scenario, reflecting compliance with NEC requirements for effective grounding in a high-amperage system.