Electrical Exam Term

Motor Full-Load Current (FLC)

The current that a motor draws at its rated horsepower and voltage when operating at full mechanical load, as listed in NEC tables.

Detailed Explanation

NEC Tables 430.247-250 provide standard FLC values for different motor types and voltages. These NEC table values (not the motor nameplate amps) must be used for sizing branch circuit conductors and short-circuit protection. For example, a 10 HP, 230V single-phase motor has an FLC of 50 amps per NEC Table 430.248, requiring minimum 8 AWG copper conductors (at 125% = 62.5A). Overload protection, however, is based on the nameplate full-load amps.

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