Which amp rating is essential when sizing a contactor for a motor application?

When sizing a contactor for a motor application, the essential amp rating to consider is the inductive or Full Load Amperage (FLA). This measurement represents the amount of current a motor draws when it operates at full load, which is critical for the contactor's performance and reliability.

Inductive loads, like motors, experience high inrush currents when they start, which can be several times higher than their running current. The contactor must be rated to handle this initial surge without overheating or failing. FLA provides a standardized measure that helps ensure the contactor can handle both the steady-state current during normal operation and the inrush current when the motor starts.

Considering factors like continuous load or voltage rating is also important, but they do not specifically address the motor's operational characteristics as directly as the inductive or FLA. Therefore, the inductive or FLA rating is essential for ensuring that the contactor functions effectively throughout the motor’s entire operating range.