Motor Sizing Calculator
Calculate motor full load current, overcurrent protection, conductor sizing, and starter selection per NEC Article 430.
Use Calculator in AppWhat is Motor Sizing?
Motor sizing involves properly selecting conductors, overcurrent protection, and controllers for motor branch circuits. The NEC Article 430 provides specific requirements that differ from standard branch circuit rules.
Motor circuits require special consideration due to high starting currents (typically 6-8× FLC) and the need for both overload protection (thermal) and short-circuit protection (magnetic).
Three-Phase Motor FLC (NEC Table 430.250)
Full-load currents for three-phase AC motors at various voltages:
| HP | 208V | 230V | 460V | 575V |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 4.6A | 4.2A | 2.1A | 1.7A |
| 3 | 11.0A | 9.6A | 4.8A | 3.9A |
| 5 | 17.5A | 15.2A | 7.6A | 6.1A |
| 7.5 | 25.3A | 22A | 11A | 9A |
| 10 | 32.2A | 28A | 14A | 11A |
| 15 | 48.3A | 42A | 21A | 17A |
| 20 | 62.1A | 54A | 27A | 22A |
| 25 | 78.2A | 68A | 34A | 27A |
| 30 | 92A | 80A | 40A | 32A |
| 50 | 143A | 130A | 65A | 52A |
Motor Circuit Protection (NEC 430.52)
Maximum short-circuit protection as a percentage of motor FLC:
| Motor Type | Non-Time Delay Fuse | Dual Element Fuse | Inverse Time Breaker |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-Phase | 300% | 175% | 250% |
| Squirrel Cage | 300% | 175% | 250% |
| Wound Rotor | 150% | 150% | 150% |
| Synchronous | 300% | 175% | 250% |
Key NEC Motor Sizing Rules
Conductor Sizing (430.22)
Branch circuit conductors must be at least 125% of motor FLC from NEC tables.
Overload Protection (430.32)
115% of nameplate FLA for service factor ≥1.15 or temp rise ≤40°C. 125% for all others.
Short-Circuit Protection (430.52)
Size per Table 430.52. Round up to next standard size if calculated value doesn't correspond.
Disconnect (430.110)
Motor disconnect must be rated at least 115% of motor FLC from NEC tables.
Motor Circuit Example
Problem:
Size the branch circuit components for a 10 HP, 460V, 3-phase squirrel cage motor.
Solution:
FLC (Table 430.250): 14A
Conductor: 14 × 1.25 = 17.5A → 12 AWG (THHN = 25A)
Overload: 14 × 1.15 = 16.1A → 16A heater
Short-Circuit (Inverse Time): 14 × 2.5 = 35A → 35A breaker
Disconnect: 14 × 1.15 = 16.1A → 30A rated switch
Use: 12 AWG THHN, 16A overload, 35A breaker, 30A disconnect
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