Motor Locked Rotor Current Calculator

Calculate the locked rotor current (LRC) for single-phase and three-phase motors.

Locked Rotor Current Calculator

Compliant with NEMA Standards

Results:

Locked Rotor Current (A): 0.00

How to Use the Calculator

Input Power Rating

  1. Enter the motor's power rating.
  2. Select the unit (kW or HP).

Input Voltage & Phase

  1. Enter the supply voltage in Volts (V).
  2. Select the motor's phase (Single Phase or Three Phase).

Select NEMA Code Letter

  1. Choose the NEMA Code Letter from the motor's nameplate.
  2. This determines the KVA/HP ratio.

Locked Rotor Current Fundamentals

What is LRC?

Locked Rotor Current (LRC) is the current drawn by a motor when its rotor is stationary and full voltage is applied. It's typically 5 to 10 times the motor's full-load current.

NEMA Code Letters

  • NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) assigns code letters to motors.
  • These letters indicate the motor's locked-rotor kVA per horsepower range.
  • Crucial for selecting appropriate motor protection devices.

Importance of LRC:

LRC is vital for sizing motor starters, circuit breakers, and fuses to ensure proper protection and avoid nuisance tripping during motor startup.

Calculation Formulas

Single-phase (kW):
LRC = Pkw × 1341 × (KVA/HP) / Voltage

Single-phase (HP):
LRC = Php × 1000 × (KVA/HP) / Voltage

Three-phase (kW):
LRC = Pkw × 774 × (KVA/HP) / Voltage

Three-phase (HP):
LRC = Php × 577 × (KVA/HP) / Voltage

Example Calculation

Three Phase Motor (HP):

Power: 10 HP

Voltage: 480V

Code Letter: G (KVA/HP = 5.95, mid-range of 5.60-6.29)

LRC = 10 HP × 577 × 5.95 / 480V

LRC = 34331.5 / 480

LRC ≈ 71.52 Amps

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