MOTOR CIRCUITS

370. National Electrical Code rules definitely specify certain requirements with respect to the size and location of the component parts of motor branch circuits. The following tables and rules are in accordance with the 2002 edition of the Code. Certain cities have adopted motor wiring tables and rules which may be more exacting than those required by the Code. In such communities these local requirements should be followed in preference to the tables presented herein.

Section 370 through 395 are the rules for conventional motors and motor circuits. Sections 396 through 404 are the rules for air-conditioning and refrigerating equipment which includes a hermetic refrigerant motor-compressor. See Sec. 396.

In the following sections the terminology of the National Electrical Code with respect to within sight is adhered to. A distance of more than 15 m (50 ft) is considered equivalent to being out of sight, even though there may be no obstructions between the two points. several motors but no other equipment except that directly associated with the motors, and (3) a branch circuit supplying one or more motors, lamps, receptacles, and/or electric heaters, etc. (combination load).

Full-Load Motor Currents. According to the National Electrical Code, whenever the current rating of a motor is used to determine the ampacity (current-carrying capacity) of conductors or the ampere ratings of switches, branch-circuit overcurrent devices, etc., the values given in Tables 7 to 10 of Div. 12, including footnotes, should be used in...