St. Joseph, Champaign County, IL | Motors are one of the instances where wire size does NOT need to match breaker size, and it can still meet code. Motors, when direct starting, have a huge inrush of current to the point that a larger breaker than is needed once the motor is at full speed, is needed to keep from tripping when the motor is starting. If everything is working correctly, this inrush is such a short duration of time, that wire that's big enough to carry the running load can withstand the "overload" of starting.
#6 THHN, which I'd say is going to be the most common type of wire used in this instance, is actually rated at 75 amps. |
How big of wire do I need?
