Breaker amperage rating

[Randal Cobb]

I'm running a new 220 line for my new 3hp. cabinet saw. I know how to wire it, but, I'm not sure of the amperage requirement of a typical 3ph/220v cabinet saw. 20 amp, 30 amp?

Thanks in advance!

[Wade Lippman]

My new Grizzly is 18a; I have it on a 20a and it is fine. Don't know what yours is.

[Randal Cobb]

Sorry, I meant to include this: It's a Steel City 35-640 w/ 3hp TEFC motor.

[Jerry White]

Randall,

I am making an assumption that your motor is single phase and your description of it as 3 phase is a typo; I would recommend that you check the faceplate on the motor for the manufacturer"s current rating. If it is a typical single phase, 3 horsepower, 240volt motor a 20 amp breaker with 12 guage wiring would be ideal. Let us know if my assumption is wrong.

Jerry

[Randal Cobb]

Randall,

I am making an assumption that your motor is single phase and your description of it as 3 phase is a typo; I would recommend that you check the faceplate on the motor for the manufacturer"s current rating. If it is a typical single phase, 3 horsepower, 240volt motor a 20 amp breaker with 12 guage wiring would be ideal. Let us know if my assumption is wrong.

Jerry

Yes, sorry... my bad. I meant 3 HP, not 3PH. aixelsyD is a horrible disease!

[Jerry White]

Oh, and I forgot...congratulations on a nice saw. I know you will enjoy!:)

[Randal Cobb]

Yeah, compared to my old saw, this is going to be like going from a Yugo to a Cadillac. I pick it up next weekend (that's why I can't just go out and look at the motor plate) and I feel like a kid waiting for Christmas, so I just have to do SOMETHING to get prepared for it, so the new electrical circuit is where I'm starting.

[Tom Veatch]

Just in support of what's already been said. 3HP single phase motors typically have a full load amperage (FLA) in the neighborhood of 15 amps (give or take) at 240v. Check the dataplate on your motor. If it's not significantly greater than that, and if no other big loads will be running on the circuit at the same time as the saw, a 20 amp circuit will serve you well.

[Von Bickley]

All of the 3 HP cabinets saws that I have used are wired with 12-2/with ground and are on double 20 amp breakers.:)