Final answer:
The smallest size copper wire allowed for the overhead wire is 10-gauge.
Step-by-step explanation:
The size of a copper wire is usually determined by its gauge. In this case, since the wire is not supported on a messenger wire, we can refer to the American Wire Gauge (AWG) system to determine the smallest size copper wire allowed. According to the AWG system, a 10-gauge wire has a diameter of 2.588 mm. Therefore, the smallest size copper wire allowed would be 10-gauge.