Motor full-load current workflow
How to prepare motor kW, voltage, phase, power factor and efficiency inputs before using the Australian full-load current calculator.
Current-estimate purpose
Motor full-load current estimates help turn kW, voltage, phase, power factor and efficiency into a current value for early worksheet review. The result is useful when a nameplate is missing, when a schedule needs a transparent assumption or when starting-current calculations need a documented input.
The estimate should not replace the motor nameplate, product data, protection study or installation design.
Workflow
- Confirm whether the motor record has nameplate current. If yes, keep it as the stronger field.
- Record rated kW, voltage, phase, power factor and efficiency assumptions.
- Use the motor full-load current calculator to calculate the estimate.
- Compare the estimate with nameplate current when available.
- Carry the documented current into starting-current, voltage-dip or protection review only with its source attached.
Input record
| Field | Record | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Motor power | kW or output rating from the project record | Drives the current estimate |
| Voltage basis | Entered line or phase voltage as required by the calculator | Current changes with voltage |
| Phase | Single-phase or three-phase | Formula path changes |
| Power factor | Entered PF or documented assumption | Links kW and kVA |
| Efficiency | Entered efficiency or documented assumption | Separates output power from input power |
| Nameplate current | Actual value where available | Stronger than a formula estimate |
Boundaries
- Do not treat an estimated current as nameplate current.
- Do not reuse PF or efficiency from another motor without labelling it as an assumption.
- Do not use the current estimate alone to select protection or cable.
- Do not hide whether the value came from calculation, nameplate, schedule or measurement.