NEC Table 430.247 — Direct-Current Motors Full-Load Current
DC motors running at base speed; voltages are armature voltage ratings.
A 5 HP DC motor draws 20 A at 240 V, and a 125 HP motor draws 185 A at 550 V. Use these values, not the nameplate, to size conductors and short-circuit protection.
- Three-Phase AC Motors (430.250)
- Single-Phase AC Motors (430.248)
- Direct-Current Motors (430.247)
- Two-Phase AC Motors (4-Wire) (430.249)
| Horsepower | 90 V | 120 V | 180 V | 240 V | 500 V | 550 V |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1/4 HP | 4 | 3.1 | 2 | 1.6 | — | — |
| 1/3 HP | 5.2 | 4.1 | 2.6 | 2 | — | — |
| 1/2 HP | 6.8 | 5.4 | 3.4 | 2.7 | — | — |
| 3/4 HP | 9.6 | 7.6 | 4.8 | 3.8 | — | — |
| 1 HP | 12.2 | 9.5 | 6.1 | 4.7 | — | — |
| 1 1/2 HP | — | 13.2 | 8.3 | 6.6 | — | — |
| 2 HP | — | 17 | 10.8 | 8.5 | — | — |
| 3 HP | — | 25 | 16 | 12.2 | — | — |
| 5 HP | — | 40 | 27 | 20 | — | — |
| 7 1/2 HP | — | 58 | — | 29 | 13.6 | 12.2 |
| 10 HP | — | 76 | — | 38 | 18 | 16 |
| 15 HP | — | — | — | 55 | 27 | 24 |
| 20 HP | — | — | — | 72 | 34 | 31 |
| 25 HP | — | — | — | 89 | 43 | 38 |
| 30 HP | — | — | — | 106 | 51 | 46 |
| 40 HP | — | — | — | 140 | 67 | 61 |
| 50 HP | — | — | — | 173 | 83 | 75 |
| 60 HP | — | — | — | 206 | 99 | 90 |
| 75 HP | — | — | — | 255 | 123 | 111 |
| 100 HP | — | — | — | 341 | 164 | 148 |
| 125 HP | — | — | — | 425 | 205 | 185 |
| 150 HP | — | — | — | 506 | 246 | 222 |
| 200 HP | — | — | — | 675 | 330 | 294 |
Frequently asked questions
How many amps does a 5 HP direct-current motor draw?
A 5 HP DC motor draws 20 A at 240 V. 40 A at 120 V, 27 A at 180 V, 20 A at 240 V.
Should I use the nameplate amps or the table amps?
Use the table full-load current for sizing branch-circuit conductors, the short-circuit and ground-fault protective device, and the disconnect (430.6(A)(1)). Use the motor nameplate current only for sizing the separate overload protection.
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