1. What is Motor Load Calculation?

The motor load calculation determines what percentage of full load a motor is operating at based on measured current. This helps assess motor efficiency and proper sizing for the application.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the motor load equation:

Where:

• \( I \) — Measured operating current (Amps)
• \( FLA \) — Full Load Amps from motor nameplate (Amps)

Explanation: The ratio of actual current to full load current gives the percentage of full load the motor is operating at.

3. Importance of Motor Load Calculation

Details: Knowing motor load helps identify oversized motors (which operate inefficiently at low loads) or overloaded motors (which may overheat and fail prematurely).

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the measured operating current and the motor's nameplate full load amps (FLA). Both values must be positive numbers.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: What is considered a good motor load percentage?
A: Typically 75-100% is ideal. Below 50% indicates potential oversizing, while above 100% indicates overload.

Q2: How do I find the FLA for my motor?
A: Check the motor nameplate for Full Load Amps rating, or consult manufacturer specifications.

Q3: When should I measure motor current?
A: Measure during normal operating conditions when the motor is under typical load.

Q4: Are there limitations to this calculation?
A: This assumes power factor and efficiency remain constant, which may not be true at very low loads.

Q5: What if my motor has no nameplate?
A: You may need to consult motor performance curves or estimate FLA based on motor horsepower and voltage.