Equipment & SystemsQuestion 274 of 521

For a continuous-duty three-phase motor rated more than 1 HP without integral overload protection, how many overload units are generally required?

a.One overload unit total
b.One overload unit in each phase (three for a three-phase motor)
c.Two units for any motor
d.None if a breaker is used

Explanation

NEC 430.37 and Table 430.37 require an overload device in each ungrounded conductor - three units for a three-phase motor - so a loss of one phase or unbalanced overload is detected. A single unit is insufficient, and a branch-circuit breaker does not provide running overload protection.

Law Reference: 2023 NEC §430.37

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