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Home / Technical Articles / Sizing The DOL Motor Starter Parts (Contactor, Fuse, Circuit Breaker and Thermal Overload Relay)

Calculate size of each part of DOL motor starter for the system voltage 415V, 5HP three phase house hold application induction motor, code A, motor efficiency 80%, motor RPM 750, power factor 0.8 and overload relay of starter is put before motor.

Sizing The DOL Motor Starter Parts (Contactor, Fuse, Circuit Breaker and Thermal Overload Relay)
Sizing The DOL Motor Starter Parts (Contactor, Fuse, Circuit Breaker and Thermal Overload Relay)

Basic Calculation of Motor Torque and Current

  • Motor Rated Torque (Full Load Torque) = 5252xHPxRPM
  • Motor Rated Torque (Full Load Torque) = 5252x5x750 = 35 lb-ft.
  • Motor Rated Torque (Full Load Torque) = 9500xKWxRPM
  • Motor Rated Torque (Full Load Torque) = 9500x(5×0.746)x750 = 47 Nm
  • If Motor Capacity is less than 30 KW than Motor Starting Torque is 3xMotor Full Load Current or 2X Motor Full Load Current.
  • Motor Starting Torque = 3xMotor Full Load Current.
  • Motor Starting Torque = 3×47 = 142Nm.
  • Motor Lock Rotor Current = 1000xHPx figure from below Chart/1.732×415

Locked Rotor Current

CodeMin.Max.
A13.14
B3.153.54
C3.553.99
D44.49
E4.54.99
F52.59
G2.66.29
H6.37.09
I7.17.99
K88.99
L99.99
M1011.19
N11.212.49
P12.513.99
R1415.99
S1617.99
T1819.99
U2022.39
V22.4
  • As per above chart Minimum Locked Rotor Current  = 1000x5x1/1.732×415 = 7 Amp
  • Maximum Locked Rotor Current = 1000x5x3.14/1.732×415 = 22 Amp.
  • Motor Full Load Current (Line) = KWx1000/1.732×415
  • Motor Full Load Current (Line) = (5×0.746)x1000/1.732×415 = 6 Amp.
  • Motor Full Load Current (Phase) = Motor Full Load Current (Line)/1.732
  • Motor Full Load Current (Phase) = 6/1.732 =4Amp
  • Motor Starting Current = 6 to 7xFull Load Current.
  • Motor Starting Current (Line) = 7×6 = 45 Amp

1. Size of Fuse

Fuse as per NEC 430-52

Type of MotorTime Delay FuseNon-Time Delay Fuse
Single Phase300%175%
3 Phase300%175%
Synchronous300%175%
Wound Rotor150%150%
Direct Current150%150%
  • Maximum Size of Time Delay Fuse = 300% x Full Load Line Current.
  • Maximum Size of Time Delay Fuse = 300%x6 = 19 Amp.
  • Maximum Size of Non Time Delay Fuse = 1.75% x Full Load Line Current.
  • Maximum Size of Non Time Delay Fuse = 1.75%6 = 11 Amp.

2. Size of Circuit Breaker

Circuit Breaker as per NEC 430-52

Type of MotorInstantaneous TripInverse Time
Single Phase800%250%
3 Phase800%250%
Synchronous800%250%
Wound Rotor800%150%
Direct Current200%150%
  • Maximum Size of Instantaneous Trip Circuit Breaker = 800% x Full Load Line Current.
  • Maximum Size of Instantaneous Trip Circuit Breaker = 800%x6 = 52 Amp.
  • Maximum Size of Inverse Trip Circuit Breaker = 250% x Full Load Line Current.
  • Maximum Size of Inverse Trip Circuit Breaker = 250%x6 = 16 Amp.

3. Thermal Overload Relay

Thermal Overload Relay (Phase):

  • Min. Thermal Overload  Relay setting = 70%x Full Load Current(Phase)
  • Min. Thermal Overload Relay setting = 70%x4 = 3 Amp
  • Max. Thermal Overload  Relay setting = 120%x Full Load Current(Phase)
  • Max. Thermal Overload Relay setting = 120%x4 = 4 Amp

Thermal Overload Relay (Phase):

  • Thermal Overload Relay setting = 100% x Full Load Current (Line).
  • Thermal Overload Relay setting = 100%x6 = 6 Amp

4. Size and Type of Contactor

ApplicationContactorMaking Cap
Non-Inductive or Slightly Inductive ,Resistive LoadAC11.5
Slip Ring MotorAC24
Squirrel Cage MotorAC310
Rapid Start / StopAC412
Switching of Electrical Discharge LampAC5a3
Switching of Electrical Incandescent LampAC5b1.5
Switching of TransformerAC6a12
Switching of Capacitor BankAC6b12
Slightly Inductive Load in Household or same type loadAC7a1.5
Motor Load in Household ApplicationAC7b8
Hermetic refrigerant Compressor Motor with Manual O/L ResetAC8a6
Hermetic refrigerant Compressor Motor with Auto O/L ResetAC8b6
Control of Restive & Solid State Load with opto coupler IsolationAC126
Control of Restive Load and Solid State with T/C IsolationAC1310
Control of Small Electro Magnetic Load ( <72VA)AC146
Control of Small Electro Magnetic Load ( >72VA)AC1510

As per above chart:

  • Type of Contactor = AC7b
  • Size of Main Contactor = 100%X Full Load Current (Line).
  • Size of Main Contactor = 100%x6 = 6 Amp.
  • Making/Breaking Capacity of Contactor = Value above Chart x Full Load Current (Line).
  • Making/Breaking Capacity of Contactor = 8×6 = 52 Amp.

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Jignesh Parmar

Jignesh Parmar has completed M.Tech (Power System Control), B.E (Electrical). He is member of Institution of Engineers (MIE), India. He has more than 20 years experience in transmission & distribution-energy theft detection and maintenance electrical projects.

50 Comments


  1. Alex Obeng
    Oct 25, 2023

    What are the suitable contactor, breaker, and overload for 30hp, 22kw and 42A


  2. chanh
    Oct 07, 2023

    refer to IEC standard, what is maximum motor rating on DOL ?


  3. Abdul-wahab Issahaku
    Dec 16, 2022

    I want to know the right contactors for?
    15hp-motor——contactor size
    20hp–!!————–!!
    30hp–!!————–!!
    7.5hp–!!————-!!


  4. MOHAMMED SUMAIR ALI
    Dec 15, 2022

    Characteristics of Contactors and Starters (IEC 60947-4)
    (Modification-1) Shall be AC-4 rated.
    (Addition-1) Rated Insulation Voltage shall be a minimum of 660 VAC.
    (Modification-2) Shall be rated for uninterrupted duty.
    (Addition-2) Rated Operational Current shall be a minimum of 24 A.
    (Addition-3) Contactors for motor service shall be selected based upon the
    following:
    a) On the assumption that all motors operate under 90% AC-3 duty and
    10% AC-4 duty

    Question:

    As per the requirement of the specification ..the contactor Ampere rating for shall be minimum 24A for even for the motor will Less KW loads .

    if Coordination is between MPCB,overload and motors there any impact of Contactor if it is oversized?


  5. Vikki
    Sep 09, 2021

    Current setting of thermal overload relay.
    थर्मलर्म ओवर लोड रिले की करंट सैटिंसै गटिं की जाती है।
    Option 1 : According to noted current on motor name plate / मोटर नेम प्‍लेट पर अंकिअं त धारा के अनुसा नु र
    Option 2 : On 15% less of supply voltage / सप्‍लाई वोल्‍टेज के 15% कम पर
    Option 3 : On 10% more of supply voltage / सप्‍लाई वोल्‍टेज के 10% अधिक पर
    Option 4 : On 10% less load current / भार धारा के 10% कम पर


  6. VINAY
    May 08, 2021

    There is a typographical error in the equation for Max Rated Torque. It should have been 9500 x KW / RPM; 5252 x HP / RPM


    • Roberto
      Feb 15, 2023

      Thanks Vinay to inform about the error regarding to writedown the equation


  7. santhosh
    Mar 22, 2021

    Hi, we have a 425hp FCMA starter for motor. We have used Run contactor 1050A where as customer had prescribed for 800A. And start contactor 800 we have used whereas customer needed 500A. Does this create any problem with the product performance. Please suggest.


  8. Kush Lohana
    Oct 05, 2020

    why hp not watt is being used for drawing Motor lock rotor current?


  9. waleid
    Jul 09, 2020

    Dear
    first thank you for this website with my wish for more successful, if i have a 92 kw/380v/0.8/184 amp submersible pump and i want to reduce the inrush current how much could reduce the starting current if i use soft starter,
    your truly


  10. Fadi
    Apr 25, 2020

    for induction motor I will use AC7b?


  11. Pradeep
    Sep 04, 2019

    How will you calculate the contactor, Motor Protection circuit breaker, Molded CasecCircuit Breaker, thermal overload and size of power cable and control cable for DOL starter and Star Delta Starter Upto 5 HP & Above 5 HP induction motor. Thank u.


    • Agbuke andrew
      Jan 18, 2021

      I don’t know how 8×6 becomes 42 in your calculation.


      • Roberto
        Feb 15, 2023

        In fact the release shows that 8×6= 52 and not 42, but it also is wrong as well, so some correction or complementary variable and numbers must be added in this equation in order to explain this result.


  12. DAYANAND
    Jun 07, 2019

    Which contactor is best suitable for 110kw/150hp slip ring induction motor…stator current196amp/rotor current275amp


  13. Md Taiyab Alam
    Sep 23, 2018

    8×6=52 How it is possible


  14. Faisal
    Aug 15, 2018

    Can you please explain . How Motor rated torque value is 35 lb-ft????


  15. Chandan
    Aug 07, 2018

    How it’s 5252*5*750=35 lb-ft it’s coming 19,695,000 please clarify..


    • nikunj
      Aug 30, 2018

      motor rated or full load torque= 5252XHp / RPM


      • SUNDARRAJAN
        Jul 13, 2020

        5252*5/750=35 T=5252*HP/RPM


  16. Jayananda Mohanty
    Jul 18, 2018

    A motor full load current ratting 20 amp .how olr setting formula


    • satyajit nayak
      May 10, 2019

      20×1.5=30


  17. basel farkoh
    May 18, 2018

    May you please explain how it is possible to have the Motor Starting Current (Line) = 45 Amp bigger than the
    Maximum Locked Rotor Current = 22 Amp?


  18. Prabhakara
    Apr 17, 2018

    hi
    plz send me 0.5 hp, 1 hp and 10 hp motor slide rules


  19. cecilio
    Apr 05, 2018

    i think there is something wrong on the value of F max., it should be 5.59 not 2.59 under locked rotor current.


  20. zuber shaikh
    Nov 06, 2017

    Hi,
    I have an EC-DC motor of 0.4 KW. I want to command the motor from a PLC output 24 AC and i want to control the speed of the motor with 0-10 vdc. Could you please guide me for selection of control relay for starting the motor. The motor data is 230 VAC 50Hz single phase.
    Also can i use control relay for commanding the motor On and Off.


  21. David Castillo
    Jul 16, 2017

    The page before was better because it allowed copying or downloading what I published in PDF now and only lets print it bad that bad serivicio. I was better before.


  22. Randy Sink
    Dec 10, 2016

    Where can I find the required magnetic contactor size for a motor given the motor current or HP?


  23. SAIBAL BOSE
    Nov 11, 2016

    Hi,
    I need tips on how to do sizing of UPS & Automatic Power Factor Correction


  24. Darshan
    Dec 03, 2015

    We are going to manu.. 2HP single phase monoset pump for agriculture purpose.240V & max curretnt 11.5A. difficulty is i am not getting that how much degree of thermal fuse we can use?


  25. zubair akhtar
    Oct 08, 2015

    Mr.shafqat
    I have a question for you.
    I have a two speed motor having twelve(12) input terminals.when we provide supply on twelve terminals what happend???????


  26. kazim
    Sep 14, 2015

    Pls I want to know why you chose motor starting torque to be 3x full load current. Thanks


  27. Hesham Elhamaki
    Jul 15, 2015

    Dear Gents
    Please support me to select fuse size for 3 phase motor with LRA 11.4 A V=400, inpout power 1.21Kw, current = 2.3A and how to calculat it?, fause PH (3N)


  28. ghulam jaffar
    Jun 21, 2015

    how we select aa magnetic contactor wth respect to motor


  29. Sanjul Seth
    Jan 31, 2015

    Dear Sir/Mam ,

     I have completed bachelor’s degree in Electrical & Electronics engineering branch in 2014 . I have 6months experience  in designing electrical panels ( APFC, MCC & PCC panels)& switchgears and software skills in electrical autocad.
    Can you please suggest doing PLC, SCADA automation course will hike up my career or not
    to get a higher package. If yes please do suggest Institutes for the same
    Regards
    Sanjul


  30. Mohamed
    Jan 08, 2015

    The starting current is 45A , maximum size of none time delay fuse is 11A ,
    Why it will not blow?


  31. Mohamed
    Jan 08, 2015

    Why Code F minimum locked rotor current =5A , maximum locked rotor current =2.59A


  32. Mohamed
    Jan 08, 2015

    Motor starting torque=3 times of motor full load torque or current
    3 times or 2 times it is very big difference


  33. shamsuzzaman
    Aug 25, 2014

    i want to know how many torque of 15 kw motor


  34. Gbenro
    Jun 08, 2014

    How will you calculate the contactor, circuit breaker, thermal overload and size of power cable and control cable for DOL starter when u are give a 3KW induction motor. Thank u.


  35. Haresh Rathod
    Mar 14, 2014

    what are the basis for above calculations?


  36. faizalmdz
    Nov 15, 2013

    What is the basis of above calculation….
    Provide International Standard for Calculation….
    Thank you


  37. adipriya
    Sep 17, 2013

    1.Can we say what is the no load current for a motor if it’s full load current,voltage,power ,power factor are known


  38. shafqat.ali
    Sep 17, 2013

    5252x5x750 = 35 lb-ft. ????
    9500x(5×0.746)x750 = 47 Nm ???????


    • susanne
      Sep 17, 2013

      It should be:
      5252×5/750 = 35 lb-ft.
      9500x(5×0.746)/750 = 47 Nm


      • Shafqat Ali
        Sep 18, 2013

        Yes u r right


  39. sthirum
    Sep 14, 2013

    From where you got multiplying factor, Is there any std/ ref in IS, IEC.etc.


  40. sam atlantis
    Sep 13, 2013

    Motor Full Load Current (Line) = KWx1000/1.732×415

    Why the power factor is not included in the calculation although it has been give in the details?


    • Alok
      Feb 27, 2014

      p.f is taken in the calculation, but it is missing in the formula


  41. sandeepayyagari
    Sep 12, 2013

    great sir,can u describe about selection of transformer according to connected load, necessary erection steps for transformer erection

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sixty six  −    =  fifty nine

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