What is the minimum size allowed for an open, individual aluminum conductor with a maximum of 1000 volts and a span of 45 feet?

The minimum size allowed for an open, individual aluminum conductor with a maximum of 1000 volts and a span of 45 feet is 10 AWG. This is based on the National Electrical Code (NEC) specifications that govern the sizing of conductors to ensure safety and performance.

In the case of aluminum conductors, the sizing must take into consideration factors such as the length of the span and the voltage rating. For spans of this length and voltage, 10 AWG aluminum is the size that satisfies the NEC requirements to ensure adequate capacity to handle electrical load while minimizing the risk of overheating or failure.

Choosing a smaller gauge, such as 12 AWG or 14 AWG, would not comply with the NEC requirements for the specified voltage and span and could lead to unsafe conditions and potential electrical hazards. Furthermore, the larger 8 AWG is not necessary for this scenario; it exceeds the minimum requirements for this specific application while still providing operational safety.