Why is the starting current of a 3phase induction motor

higher than its rated current?

The starting current, sometimes called inrush current will be 8-10 times higher than the
motor's rated current because the motor is at rest.

When at rest, the motor appears to be a transformer, with its secondary winding short
circuited, i.e. the rotor winding or squirrel cage is a closed circuit. This results in low
impedance to the system voltage and the motor has a "locked rotor" current of typically 6
times full load current, but also up to 8 and sometimes 10 times current.

This starting value is independant of any load attached; however, the inertia of the motor
and load has to be overcome. This is especially true when the motor is connected to a
load, like a conveyor belt with product on it. The larger the inertia, the longer the motor
takes to reach full speed.

As the motor accelerates, part of the starting current power overcomes this inertia and is
converted to kinetic energy. The remaining power of the starting current heats the rotor,
up to possibly 250 deg C for a "long" start (20 seconds!!).

During the first couple of cycles of AC current, transient currents make some of the
phases have higher assymetrical values, which can cause nuisance tripping of the supply
breakers to the motor, when protection settings are too low!

Equation for current: I = P / cos phi *(1.732 * V), (cos phi can be 0.3 during starting).

V (voltage) stays pretty much constant, therefore I (current) must rise (but is limited to
the locked rotor value for the specific motor) as P (power) is required to start the motor
and to keep it running.

Some voltage drop will occur for most power systems during a motor start, thus with a
constant locked rotor impedance, the starting current will reduce proportionally.

I start = V / 1.732 * Z (locked rotor) for a three phase motor. (Z is fixed)

When nearly full running speed is reached, the current drops rapidly to full load current
or less, depending on the actual load attached.