In a scenario with the smallest permitted conductors feeding a 1 hp motor with nontime-delay fuses, what is the minimum size EGC allowed?

In the scenario described, determining the minimum size Equipment Grounding Conductor (EGC) for a 1 horsepower (hp) motor fed by the smallest permitted conductors and non-time delay fuses involves understanding the appropriate grounding conductor sizing as per the National Electrical Code (NEC).

For a 1 hp motor, which typically draws up to 16 amps at 240 volts (based on general motor load calculations), the NEC provides guidance on conductor sizing. Generally, the size of the EGC is based on the size of the circuit conductors and the type of overcurrent protection being used.

In this case, utilizing non-time-delay fuses means that the conductors may not tolerate transient inrush currents as well as time-delay devices would. The NEC requires that the EGC be sized according to the largest phase conductors being used in the installation. For circuits up to 20 amps, the minimum EGC size typically follows the standard in NEC Table 250.122.

According to the code, for conductors sized at 12 AWG and protecting circuits up to 20 amps, the minimum permitted size for the EGC would be 12 AWG. This is because the EGC must be at least the same size as