Motor Starting Current Calculator
Calculate motor full load amps, starting inrush current, voltage drop during starting, and starting KVA demand.
Inputs
HP
V
× FLA
phase
Results
Full Load Amps (FLA)
57.37 A
Starting Current (LRA)
344.23 A
Estimated Voltage Drop10.33%
Starting KVA Demand286.19 kVA
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter the Motor Horsepower from the nameplate and the Motor Voltage (e.g., 208, 480, or 4160 V).
- Enter the Motor Efficiency at full load — typically 0.88–0.96 for standard NEMA motors.
- Set the Starting Current Multiplier: direct-on-line (DOL) starting ≈ 6–8×, soft starter ≈ 2–4×, VFD ≈ 1–1.5× FLA.
- Select the Number of Phases (1 or 3).
- Read the Full Load Amps (FLA) to size cables and overload protection, and the Starting Current (LRA) to size upstream breakers and transformers.
- Check the Estimated Voltage Drop % during starting — values above 5% can trip sensitive controls; above 10% may prevent motor start.
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