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By James Stallcup Sr., NEC/OSHA Consultant
Motor Design Letters and
Code Letters – How They
Are Utilized
Motor circuits must be designed to provide protection
for motor windings and components when motors are
starting, running, and driving loads. Motor windings are
protected by overcurrent protection devices that are
selected according to the type used, based upon the
amount of starting current required. Overcurrent pro-
tection devices are sized by percentages based on the
type motor, starting method, and design or code letter.
Starting methods should be selected based on the
amount of current required to start and run the motor
or the amount that is reduced by utilizing a particular
starting method.
This article, one of a series, will address a variety of
motors and their many different characteristics and why it
is sometimes desirable to choose one over the other, based
on the requirements of the driven load or equipment.
Types Of Motors
Table 430.52
The following are five types of motors that must be
considered when sizing OCPDs to allow motors to start
and run:
(1) Single-phase AC squirrel-cage,
(2) Three-phase AC squirrel-cage,
(3) Wound-rotor,
(4) Synchronous,
(5) DC.
Single-Phase Squirrel-Cage Motors
Squirrel-cage motors are how induction motors are
known in the electrical industry. An induction motor
operates on the same principles as the primary and sec-
ondary windings of a transformer. When power ener-
gizes the field windings they serve as the “transformer”
primary by inducing voltage into the rotor, which serves
as the secondary. Squirrel-cage motors have two wind-
ings on the stator (the stationary windings): one is the
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run winding and the other is the starting winding. A
motor with this additional starting winding on the sta-
tor is called a split-phase, single-phase, induction motor;
it provides the ability to both start and run. The starting
winding has a higher resistance than the running wind-
ing, which creates a phase displacement between the
two. It is this phase displacement between the two
windings that gives split-phase motors the power to
start and run.
The angular phase displacement is about 18 to 30
degrees, which provides enough starting torque (twist or
force) to start the motor. The motor operates on the
running winding after the rotor starts and has reached a
speed of about 75 to 80 percent of the motor's synchro-
nous speed. The starting winding is then disconnected
by a centrifugal switch. (See Figure 1)
WINDING
POWER SUPPLY • RUNNING
WINDING
• STARTING
SWITCH
POWER SOURCE • CENTRIFUGAL
• 1Ø
• 120 VOLT, OR
• 240 VOLT
NEC TABLE 430.52
Figure 1. The above illustrates an example of a single-phase squirrel-cage motor listed in Table 430.52 of the NEC.
Figure 1
Three-Phase Squirrel-Cage Motors
Three-phase squirrel-cage motors have three separate
windings per pole on the stator, which generate magnet-
ic fields that are 120 degrees out-of-phase with each
other. Three-phase motors do not require an additional
starting winding. A three-phase induction motor will
always have a peak phase of current. This is due to the
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alternating current reversing its direction of flow. In CONTROLLER
other words, when alternating current of one phase • 430.81
480 V POWER SUPPLY
reverses its direction of flow, a peak current will be CONDUCTORS
developed and as current reverses direction again, a sec- • 430.22(A)
ond phase will peak, etc. Three-phase motors provide a
smooth and continuous source of power once they are SECONDARY
CONDUCTORS
started and driving the load. (See Figure 2) • 430.23(A) DRUM DISCONNECTING
CONTROLLER MEANS
• 430.102

RESISTOR BANK
• 430.23(C)
NOTE: THE MOTORS BELOW CAN BE
EITHER NEMA DESIGN B, C, OR D.
POWER
SOURCE RESISTOR BANK CONDUCTORS
• 3Ø DISCONNECTING WINDINGS USED AT CONTINUOUS DUTY
MEANS • 3Ø • 430.23(B)
• WYE MOTOR
NEC TABLE 430.52

Figure 3. The above illustrates an example of a three-phase wound motor listed in Table 430.52 of the NEC.

Figure 3
WINDINGS
SUPPLY • 3Ø Synchronous Motors
• DELTA MOTOR
The following are two types of synchronous motors that
are available:
(1) Non-excited, and
(2) Direct-current excited.
Synchronous motors are available in a wide range of
NEC TABLE 430.52 sizes and types that are designed to run at fixed speeds.
A DC source is required to excite a direct-current excited
Figure 2. The above illustrates an example of a three-phase squirrel-cage motor listed in Table 430.52 of the NEC. synchronous motor. The torque required to turn the
rotor for a synchronous motor is produced when the DC
current of the rotor field locks in with the magnetic field
Figure 2 of the stator's AC current. (See Figure 4)

Three-phase induction motors are wound-rotor

motors, and are similar in design to squirrel-cage induc- MOTOR
tion motors. They are three-phase motors having two POWER SOURCE • 3Ø
• ALTERNATING CURRENT • SYNCHRONOUS
sets of leads. One set consists of the main leads to the
stator – the field poles – and the other set consists of the
secondary leads to the rotor. The secondary leads are
connected to the rotor through slip rings, while the
other end of the leads are connected to a controller and POWER SOURCE
• DIRECT CURRENT ROTOR
a bank of resistors. The speed of the motor varies with
the amount of resistance added in the motor circuit. The
rotor will turn slower when the resistance in the rotor NEC TABLE 430.52
circuit is greater, and vice versa. The resistance may be
incorporated in the controller or as a separate resistor Figure 4. The above illustrates an example of a three-phase synchronous motor listed in Table 430.52 of the NEC.

bank. (See Figure 3)

Figure 4

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DC Motors SERIES MOTOR
Direct-current only is used to operate DC motors. A DC • 300% TO 375% FULL-LOAD
TORQUE IS PROVIDED
motor is designed with the following two main parts:
(1) The stator, and SERIES
FIELD
(2) The rotor (or armature). TO POWER
SUPPLY
The stationary frame of the motor is called the stator.
The armature, mounted on the drive shaft, is known as the
ARMATURE
rotor. The speed of a DC motor with a given load is deter- +
mined by the amount of current driven through the rotor.
(See Figure 5)

SERIES DC MOTOR
DYNAMIC BRAKING SEPARATELY
RESISTORS MOUNTED Figure 6. A series DC motor provides a very high starting torque of 300 percent to 375 percent of the full-load torque.

DC POWER SUPPLY
POWER Figure 6
CB RESISTORS
• 2-POLE

SHUNT MOTOR
• 125% TO 200% FULL-LOAD
SERIES TORQUE IS PRODUCED
MOTOR
CONTROLLER TERMINAL FIELD
BOARDS
DC MOTOR TO POWER
SHUNT SUPPLY
FIELD ARMATURE
NEC 430.29
TABLE 430.29 +
Figure 5. The above illustrates an example of a DC motor listed in Table 430.52 of the NEC.

Figure 5
SHUNT DC MOTOR

Series DC Motors Figure 7. A shunt DC motor provides a medium starting torque of 125 percent to 200 percent of the full-load torque.

A very high starting torque of 300 to 375 percent of the

full-load torque is provided when using series DC Figure 7
motors. Loads that are required to be driven with high
torque and poorly regulated speed use this type of
MOTOR
motor. The speed varies depending on the mechanical • 180% TO 260% FULL-LOAD
load. Series DC motors are used in installations such as TORQUE IS PROVIDED
SERIES
traction work, where the speed varies depending on the FIELD
load on the hoist. The armature and fields are connected
TO POWER
in series. (See Figure 6) SUPPLY
SHUNT
FIELD ARMATURE
ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF GRAYBOY, INC.

Shunt DC Motors
+
A starting torque of 125 to 200 percent of the full-load
torque is provided when using shunt DC motors. Loads
that are required to be driven with constant or adjustable
speeds, but do not require high starting torque, use this COMPOUND DC MOTOR
type of motor. Shunt DC motors are useful for applica-
tions such as woodworking machines, printing presses, Figure 8. A compound DC motor provides a high torque of 180 percent to 260 percent of the full-load torque.

and papermaking machines. (See Figure 7)

Figure 8

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Compound DC Motors
Compound DC motors provide a starting torque of
180 to 260 percent of the full-load torque and a con-
stant speed. The compound DC motor is equipped with
a series and a shunt winding. The series winding is con-
nected in series with the armature and the shunt winding
is connected in parallel with the armature. This type of
motor has the characteristics of both series and shunt
motors during operation. Loads such as crushers, recip-
rocating compressors, and punch presses use compound
DC motors. (See Figure 8)
Calculating Torque
To accelerate and drive a piece of equipment, the motor
must be capable of producing a torque. Torque is the
turning or twisting force of the motor and is measured
in foot-pounds or pound-feet.
Full-Load Torque
The full-load torque of a motor is determined by
multiplying the horsepower by 5252, and then dividing
by the rpm of the motor.
Figure 9
Motor Tip: The value of 5252 is found by dividing
33,000 foot-pounds per minute by 6.2831853
(33,000 ÷ 6.2831853 = 5,252).
{6.2831853=2 x π; π=3.14159265 } (See Figure 9)
Starting Torque
The starting torque of a motor varies with the
classification of the motor. Motors are classified by
NEMA as Design B, C, or D. These standardized types
are the most used motors in the electrical industry.
Other types of motors classified by NEMA are Design F
or G motors.
Each class of motors has a different rotor design,
which provides a different value of starting torque.
Different values of torque, speed, current, and slip for
starting and driving the various types of loads are
produced when using NEMA Design B, C, or D motors.
The Design type of the motor to be selected depends on
the starting torque and running torque required to drive
the load. (See Figure 13)
Class B Motors
The most used motor in the electrical industry is
Class B. For example, the starting torque of an
induction motor will increase by 150 percent of the full-
load torque when using Class B design motors. Most
designers however, assume a starting torque of less than
150 percent when using Class B induction motors to
start and run loads. (See Figure 10)
Class C Motors
The starting torque of a squirrel-cage induction motor
will increase about 225 percent of the full-load torque
when using Class C design motors. However, to keep
from overloading the starting torque, designers will
often load these motors to less than 225 percent.
For example: What is the full-load torque and starting
torque of a 40 HP, Class C design induction motor
operating at 1725 rpm?
Step 1: Finding full-load torque
Torque = HP x 5252 ÷ rpm
Torque = 40 x 5252 ÷ 1725
Torque = 210,080 ÷ 1725
Torque = 121.8 ft. lbs.
Step 2: Finding starting torque
Full-load torque increased by 225%
Torque = 121.8 ft. lbs. x 225%
Torque = 274.05 ft. lbs.
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Solution: The full-load torque is 152.2 ft. lbs. and the
starting torque is 418.6 ft. lbs.

Energy Efficient Motors

When designing and installing an energy efficient motor, it
is most important to know the starting and running torque
of the load. The difference between the nominal and the
minimum efficiency must also be determined in order for
the motor to be properly sized to start and drive the load.

Figure 10
Solution: The full-load torque is 122 ft. lbs. and the
starting torque is 274 ft. lbs.
Class D Motors
The starting torque of a squirrel-cage induction motor
is increased about 275 percent of the full-load torque
when using Class D design motors. However, to keep
from overloading the starting torque of a motor, design-
ers will often load these motors to less than 275 percent.
For example: What is the full-load torque and starting
torque of a 50 HP, Class D design induction motor
operating at 1725 rpm?
Step 1: Finding full-load torque
Starting Currents
Most energy efficient motors have higher starting cur-
rents, which presents a real problem when one is replac-
ing a standard motor. This can cause nuisance tripping
of the OCPD during full-voltage start up.
There are some energy efficient motors that have starting
currents as high as 1500 percent of the full-load current. If
1700 percent per Ex. 1 to 430.52(C)(3) does not allow the
motor to start and run, reduced voltage starting or a mod-
ern electronic type of motor start/run technology must be
utilized. Note that starting currents of energy efficient
motors vary based on manufacturer and size. Energy effi-
cient motors must be selected with enough starting torque
and breakdown torque to start and run the driven loads.
The nameplate on most motors will list their starting
and running kVA. It is from these values and the
manufacturer data that the OCPD and conductors are
sized. The motor should be loaded based upon the
minimum efficiency, not its nominal efficiency. Note
that an energy efficient motor lists both nominal and
minimum efficiency full-load ratings on its nameplate.
Two-Speed Motors
The full-load torque of a motor is determined by its rpm.
A motor turning at 1800 rpm produces less torque than a
motor turning at 1200 rpm.
For example: What is the full-load torque for a two-speed
30 HP motor, operating at either 1200 rpm or 1800 rpm?
Step 1: Finding full-load torque (1200)
Torque = HP x 5252 ÷ rpm
ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF GRAYBOY, INC.

Torque = HP x 5252 ÷ rpm Torque = 30 x 5252 ÷ 1200

Torque = 50 x 5252 ÷ 1725 Torque = 157,560 ÷ 1200
Torque = 262,600 ÷ 1725 Torque = 131.3 ft. lbs.
Torque = 152.2 ft. lbs.
Step 2: Finding full-load torque (1800)
Step 2: Finding starting torque Torque = HP x 5252 ÷ rpm
Full-load current increased by 275% Torque = 30 x 5252 ÷ 1800
Torque = 152.2 ft. lbs. x 275% Torque = 157,560 ÷ 1800
Torque = 418.6 ft. lbs. Torque = 87.5 ft. lbs.

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Solution: The full-load torque for 1200 rpm is 131.3 ft. lbs.
and the full-load torque for 1800 rpm is 87.5 ft. lbs.

Resistor Or Reactor-Reduced Starting

To reduce the inrush starting current of a motor, a
resistor or reactor-limiting starting method can be used.
The starting current is reduced to 65 percent by using
either method. The starting torque will be reduced to
42 percent (65% x 65% = 42%) if the starting current
is reduced. When selecting a reduced current starting
method, care must be taken to ensure that enough
foot-pounds are provided to accelerate the load.
(See Figure 11)

Code Letters
Tables 430.7(B) and 430.151
Code letters are given to motors by manufacturers for
calculating the locked-rotor current (LRC) in amps
based upon the kVA per horsepower per the motor's
code letter. Overcurrent protection devices shall be set
above the locked-rotor current of the motor to prevent
the overcurrent protection device from opening when
the rotor of the motor is starting. The following two
methods can be used to calculate and select the locked-
rotor current of motors:
(1) Utilizing code letters to determine LRC, and
(2) Utilizing horsepower to determine LRC.

Locked-Rotor Current Based Upon Code Letters

430.7(B)
Code letters must be marked on motor nameplates;
these letters are used for determining locked-rotor
current. Locked-rotor currents for particular code letters
are listed in Table 430.7(B) in kVA (kilovolt-amps) per
horsepower.
For example: What is the locked-rotor current rating for
a three-phase, 208 volt, 20 horsepower motor with a code
letter B marked on its nameplate?
Step 1: Finding LRC amps
Table 430.7(B)
A = kVA per HP x 1000 ÷ (V x 1.732)
A = 3.54 x 20 x 1000 ÷ (208 V x 1.732)
A = 70,800 ÷ 360
A = 197
Solution: The locked-rotor current is 197 amps. Note
that Table 430.7(B) must be used to find the LRC of
motors based on their code letters per the 1996 NEC
and earlier editions.
Figure 11
Locked-Rotor Current Utilizing HP
Tables 430.151(A) and (B)
The locked-rotor current of a motor may be found in
Tables 430.151(A) and (B). The locked-rotor currents
for single-phase and three-phase motors are selected
from this table based upon the number of phases, volt-
age, and horsepower rating of the motor. For motors
with code letters A through G, round the nameplate cur-
rent in amps up to an even number and multiply by 6 to
obtain the LRC of the motor. Note that code letters
can’t be found in Tables 430.151(A) and (B) because
they won’t be listed on the motors nameplate anymore.
Motors will be marked either as Design B, C, or D to
indicate which locked-rotor currents are to be selected
from Tables 430.151(A) and (B) based on horsepower,
phases, and voltages.

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For example: What is the locked-rotor current rating for Step 2: Calculating LRC
a three-phase, 460 volt, 50 horsepower, Design B motor? Table 430.7(B)
70 A x 6 = 420 A
Table method using Design letter:
Solution: The locked-rotor current is 420 amps.
Step 1: Finding LRC amps Note: This method can only be used for code letters
Table 430.151(B) A through G.
50 HP requires 363 A
Solution: The locked-rotor current is 363 amps. See Figures 12(a) and (b) for calculating and selecting
the locked-rotor current of a motor.
For example: Consider a motor with a nameplate
current of 63 amps and determine the LRC of the motor Motor Tip: Engineers and electricians must select the
based upon code letters A through G? locked-rotor current rating from Tables 430.151(A)
and (B) when using Design B, C, or D motors. The
Rule of thumb method using code letter: overcurrent protection device must be set above the
locked-rotor current of the motor so the motor can start
Step 1: Finding even multiple of ten number and run. See the problem in Figure 12(b).
Table 430.7(B) When code letters are used, the locked rotor current
Round up 63 A to 70 A and multiply by 6 must either be calculated per Table 430.7(B) or by the

FINDING LRC USING

MOTOR'S CODE LETTERS
USING FINDING LRC PER TABLE
CODE LETTERS - 430.7(B)
TABLE 430.7(B) BASED ON DESIGN LETTER
APPLYING RULE OF THUMB FOR CODE SINGLE-PHASE MOTORS
LETTERS A THRU G • TABLE 430.151(A)
• MOTORS FLA x 6 = LRC
• ROUND NAMEPLATE AMPS UP POWER SUPPLY THREE-PHASE MOTORS
• 430.22(A) • TABLE 430.151(B) POWER SUPPLY
CONTROLLER MBJ • 430.22(A
• 430.81 460 V, 3Ø GEC CONTROLLER MBJ
• 430.81 460 V, 3Ø GEC
GES
3Ø, 460 V, 50 HP GES
MOTOR, CODE LETTER G
3Ø, 460 V, 50 HP
DISCONNECTING MEANS MOTOR, DESIGN B
• 430.102 • FOR 1Ø MOTORS,
• 430.110(A) DISCONNECTING
MOTOR SEE TABLE 430.151(A)
• 430.7(A); (B) • FOR 3Ø MOTORS MEANS
QUICK CALC • 430.102
• MAX. LRC SEE TABLE 430.151(B)
• 62 A ROUND UP 62 A TO 70 A • 430.110(A)
70 A x 6 = 420 A
FINDING LOCKED-ROTOR CURRENT USING LRC = 420 A
THE MOTOR'S CODE LETTERS FINDING LOCKED-ROTOR CURRENT PER TABLE
USING DESIGN LETTER OF MOTOR
Step 1: Finding kVA multiplier
430.7(B); Table 430.7(B)
Code Letter G = 6.29 kVA Step 1: Finding LRC of 50 HP, Design B, 460 V
Step 2: Applying formula Table 430.151(B)
LRC = kVA per HP x 1000 x HP ÷ V x √3 = A LRC = 363 A
ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY OF GRAYBOY, INC.

LRC = x 6.29 x 50 x 1000 ÷ 460 V x 1.732

LRC = 395 A Solution: The locked-rotor current is 363
NEC 430.7(B)
Solution: The locked-rotor current is 395 amps. NEC TABLE 430.152
NEC TABLES 430.151(A) AND B
Figure 12(a). For motors having code letters instead of Design Letters,
the LRC must be calculated per Table 430.7(B) using the code letter of the motor. Figure 12(b). Table 430.151(A) and (B) can be used to determine the
LRC in amps for motors with Design Letters.

Figure 12a Figure 12b

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rule of thumb method, based on code letters A through
G. See the problem and Quick Calc in Figure 12(a).

See Figure 13 for a chart showing the different electri-

cal characteristics for different design Type motors.

NEMA Starting Starting Breakdown Full-Load

Design Torque Current Torque Slip
A Normal Normal High Low
B Normal Low Medium Low
C High Low Normal Low
D Very high Low - High

Figure 13. The type of motor will determine the electrical characteristics of the design. Note that NEMA
has designated the above designs for polyphase motors.

Figure 13

For example: What size OCPD, using a circuit breaker,

is required per Figure 12(a) and (b) to start and run?

Step 1: Finding FLC of motor

Table 430.150
50 HP = 65 A

Step 2: Finding percentage to size OCPD (CB)

Table 430.52
Percentage = 250%

Step 3: Performing math

65 A x 250% = 162.5 A

Step 4: Selecting OCPD (CB)

430.52(C)(1), Ex. 1; 240.6(A)
162.5 A = 175 A CB

Solution: A 175 amp CB will hold about

525 A (175 A x 3 = 525 A) for 4 to 9 Seconds.

Note: Inverse time circuit breakers (600 volts or less)

will hold about three times their rating for different
periods of time based on their frame size. It really does
not matter if the code letter or design letter is listed to
determine LRC (starting current) to size the OCPD
(circuit breaker). When sized per Table 430.52 it will be
large enough to hold the current and allow the motor to
start and run.

More information on this subject can be found in chapter

16 of the book 'Stallcup's Generator, Transformer, Motor
and Compressor Book,' available from the NFPA.

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