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LRC
Current
The asymmetrical offset is dependent mainly upon at which point on the voltage wave the circuit is energized. If the circuit is energized at a voltage maximum, there is no asymmetrical offset and the inrush current is essentially the LRC for that current phase. However, if the circuit is energized when the voltage is zero the initial inrush current is made completely asymmetrical, that is, shifted from the nominal current axis (refer to Figure 2). This makes the inrush current greater than the LRC for that current phase. Also, in a three phase system, the odds of one of the phases being at or near voltage zero when starting a motor is very high. This explains the source of nuisance tripping. Considering the actual asymmetrical inrush current could be, according to NEMA manufacturers, as much as two times the LRC. A HMCP circuit breaker (that is set based on the LRC) and is used with a high efficiency motor will experience nuisance tripping during energizing. Thus, the inrush could be 18 times the FLC -- much higher than the 13 times FLC that the HMCP circuit breaker may be set to by the NEC.
Figure 2: First cycle current can differ greatly depending on what point on the voltage wave the circuit is energized.
Current Current
Voltage Voltage
If you are still in the planning stages, making a few additional considerations now can save you a lot of headaches down the road. Get a complete set of specifications from the motor manufacturer and be sure to request data on the actual maximum inrush current along with the FLC and/or LRC ratio data. Specify motors with inrush to FLC ratios that would prevent you from violating the NEC. Make certain the motor is built to NEMA standards. Do not exceed the nominal voltage by more than 2 or 3%. Encourage the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) to further address this issue in future editions of the NEC.