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-   -   Full load Current (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=162135)

  • Dec 12, 2007, 05:29 PM
    Washington1
    full load Current
    Anybody want to take a crack at this?
    What is the flc of a motor with a nameplate rating:
    -1 ph
    -240v
    -Fla=16.5
    - 3 hp
  • Dec 12, 2007, 05:35 PM
    tkrussell
    If you mean for branch circuit wiring and device and OCPD sizing, then must use Table 430.148 rating of 17 amps.

    For overload protection devices then use the nameplate rating of FLA 16.5 amps.
  • Dec 12, 2007, 06:35 PM
    Washington1
    I guess I'm bored!

    Am I violating site rules :)

    Any how, is that your last and final answer (any one accept TK)? ;)
  • Dec 12, 2007, 06:45 PM
    ballengerb1
    None of us should get any closer to this one. No one except Kevin can answer this.
  • Dec 12, 2007, 07:47 PM
    Washington1
    Quote:

    If you mean for branch circuit wiring and device and OCPD sizing
    Branch circuit conductor-->Sure do!
  • Dec 12, 2007, 10:37 PM
    Washington1
    Outside of the above being a requiremnt of 21.25A min requirement-- (17)(1.25%)

    Tk,

    If this unit was located in an environment, where it was considered continuous. Have you noticed anything in the NEC that says we would have to multiple an additional 1.25%?
  • Dec 13, 2007, 04:04 AM
    tkrussell
    No, this 17 * 1.25 would be continuous rating and set the minimum rating of a OCPD. But depending on the type of OCPD and motor, refer to Table 430.52 for max ratings. Some of them may be surprising.

    For example, a single phase motor and an instantaneous CB the max rating is 800%!
  • Dec 13, 2007, 01:00 PM
    Washington1
    Exactly! Excellent feed back!
  • Dec 13, 2007, 02:00 PM
    tkrussell
    Ok, so your bored huh?

    I have one for you.

    Size the disconnect, branch circuit conductors, and overload devices, for a 25 HP 480 volt 3 phase fire pump.

    Key word is "fire pump".

    This ought to blow some minds
  • Dec 13, 2007, 08:31 PM
    Washington1
    Wow!
    Talk about a confusing section. Seeing that this is something I will never install, I have an excuse for lack of knowledge. :) Yet, here it goes:

    Based on the information:
    -Conductor size=#8 CU per T.310.16 and T.430.250 (34)(125%)=42.5A >assuming a 75 degee termination<Also See 695.6(c)(2) <-assuming no VD
    -Overload Protection=None required per NEC 695.6(d)--yet short circuit protection required for branch and feeders. Based on the information you provided. A 25HP 480v 3 ph max lock-rotor current disconnect=365 amps per 430.257(b)---so 400amps per 240.6

    :) or :(
  • Dec 14, 2007, 01:44 AM
    tkrussell
    So your saying a #8 wire on a 400 amp breaker and disconnect?

    Sounds right to me.
  • Dec 14, 2007, 09:28 AM
    Washington1
    Where is my prize?

    I'm sure this will have some people wondering... :)

    Good question!
  • Dec 14, 2007, 03:43 PM
    tkrussell
    Here you go...

    I am surprised I did not get any comments about a #8 wire on a 400 amp breaker.
  • Dec 14, 2007, 03:58 PM
    Washington1
    Quote:

    I am surprised I did not get any comments about a #8 wire on a 400 amp breaker.
    I was surprised as well. I was waiting on someone to ask how this was allowed. I guess they are out shopping or don't care! :)
  • Dec 15, 2007, 08:39 AM
    Cobraguy
    I know better than to question either of you! And I also know there are some strange exceptions out there for things like you exampled. So... in this case... even though I don't understand completely why it is what it is, I accept your answer!

    Now... tell us why! A good teacher teaches... they just don't give tests! :)
  • Dec 15, 2007, 09:24 AM
    tkrussell
    This is no test, just a discussion between a couple of tradesmen, one that may not have had a need to look for this situation. Better to be aware of something now to be prepared in the future if this situation ever arises.

    Washington did well, hit the nail.

    And to illustrate that there are exceptions, albeit, this is probably one of the most extreme.

    A fire pump is a critical unit needed for several reasons, usually when there is not enough pressure or capacity in the normal water system to provide both to fill a sprinkler system, and to continue supplying water at the point of combustion.

    Even thou there is mandatory testing and maintenance performed on the pump and system, it has been determined that due to Murphy's Law, the damn thing may have a problem at the time of a fire.

    So provisions are in place to allow the motor to start, or allow it to try to start, and keep running, at any cost.

    So all breakers, fuses, switching, transformers, etc, must be sized to handle the locked rotor amps of that motor. As you can see from the example, a 25 HP motor will have 365 amps of locked rotor current. The distribution system will be sized to handle this current.

    The wire, while small to handle the normal starting and running current, is known to handle high current for a short period, and is consumable, is only sized to be 125% of the running current.

    It is not practical to size wire to handle the LRA, so FLA is used.

    If the pump has a problem, this will allow the pump to run, at any cost, even if it burns up. Suppressing the fire is the goal.
  • Dec 15, 2007, 10:06 AM
    Washington1
    Quote:

    Originally Posted by tkrussell
    This is no test, just a discussion between a couple of tradesmen, one that may not have had a need to look for this situation. Better to be aware of something now to be prepared in the future if this situation ever arises.

    Washington did well, hit the nail.

    And to illustrate that there are exceptions, albeit, this is probably one of the most extreme.

    A fire pump is a critical unit needed for several reasons, usually when there is not enough pressure or capacity in the normal water system to provide both to fill a sprinkler system, and to continue supplying water at the point of combustion.

    Even thou there is mandatory testing and maintenance performed on the pump and system, it has been determined that due to Murphy's Law, the damn thing may have a problem at the time of a fire.

    So provisions are in place to allow the motor to start, or allow it to try to start, and keep running, at any cost.

    So all breakers, fuses, switching, transformers, etc, must be sized to handle the locked rotor amps of that motor. As you can see from the example, a 25 HP motor will have 365 amps of locked rotor current. The distribution system will be sized to handle this current.

    The wire, while small to handle the normal starting and running current, is known to handle high current for a short period of time, and is consumable, is only sized to be 125% of the running current.

    It is not practical to size wire to handle the LRA, so FLA is used.

    If the pump has a problem, this will allow the pump to run, at any cost, even if it burns up. Suppressing the fire is the goal.

    Couldn't have said it better!
  • Dec 16, 2007, 08:16 AM
    Cobraguy
    And it makes perfect sense to me. Thanks guys!
  • Dec 16, 2007, 01:34 PM
    Washington1
    Ok, I just proof read my answer and found a mistake (typo) :(

    It's actually 183A, and not 400A:(

    Yet, still amazing! :)
  • Dec 16, 2007, 01:53 PM
    tkrussell
    Damn, I did not double check that number, but still the answer is amazing.

    Again, knowing the code can be your friend. I have met electricians that use wire rated full boat. What a waste of copper and labor, and money.

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