Size the wire, overload, and breaker for an open motor from its nameplate, in Canadian terms. Planning aid only — nameplate data governs, and final sizing must be verified against the current Ontario CEC/ESA requirements and the motor/drive manufacturer's instructions before installation.
FLA is the current the motor draws at its rated load and voltage — size from the plate, not from horsepower charts. Check the voltage taps shown, the service factor, and the rotation arrow before wiring. If the plate disagrees with a generic table, the plate wins.
Motor circuits are the classic exception to the usual wire-equals-breaker intuition: conductors are sized from running current with a continuous-duty factor, while the branch-circuit device may be sized higher to ride through starting current. That is why this page shows the math separately instead of one “answer.”
Actual motors vary by efficiency and design. The nameplate FLA reflects the motor in front of you; horsepower is a mechanical output rating, not an electrical measurement.
The drive typically provides overload protection and soft starting, starting-voltage-drop largely goes away, and the drive's input side — not the motor plate alone — drives conductor sizing. The drive manual governs.
Not by rewiring the motor. Options normally involve a suitable drive or a different motor — work that belongs with a licensed contractor. In Durham Region / GTA, Riley Group Electrical Limited (ESA/ECRA #7011454), (416) 896-0669.
Use the equipment's own electrical label (rated-load / branch-circuit selection current), not this open-motor calculator. Hermetic equipment follows different protection rules — this v1 covers open motors only.
Disclaimer: planning aid only. Verify against the current Ontario Electrical Safety Code, ESA bulletins, and motor/equipment manufacturer instructions. Permit and inspection requirements apply.