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Motor Branch Circuit Sizing

NEC Article 430 · FLA · OCPD · Overload

When to use: Use this calculator when designing motor branch circuits for HVAC equipment, pumps, fans, compressors, and industrial machinery. NEC Article 430 has specific requirements for motors that differ from standard branch circuits — conductors must be sized at 125% of FLA (NEC 430.22), overcurrent protection at 150–300% of FLA (NEC 430.52), and overload protection at 115–125% (NEC 430.32). Using standard branch circuit rules for motors is a common — and dangerous — mistake.

Motor Parameters
Overcurrent Protection Type
Motor Full Load Amps (FLA)
14A
NEC Table 430.25010 HP, 460V, 3ø
Required Sizing
Minimum Conductor Ampacity
Use: #12 AWG THWN Cu
17.5 A (125% of FLA)
NEC 430.22
Inverse Time Breaker Size
35.0 A calc → next std size
35 A
NEC 430.52
Overload Relay Setting
125% of FLA (SF 1.15)
≤ 17.5 A
NEC 430.32
Key NEC 430 Rules
430.22 — Branch circuit conductors: 125% FLA
430.32 — Overload: 115% or 125% of FLA
430.52 — Branch circuit OCPD sizing rules
430.109 — Disconnecting means requirements
430.110 — Disconnecting means ampere rating