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What size breaker for a 40 hp motor?

To determine the appropriate breaker size for a 40 hp motor, you will need to calculate the full-load current of the motor. As a rule of thumb, you can use the following formula to determine the full-load current:

Full-Load Current (FLA) = (Motor Horsepower x 746) / (Motor Efficiency x Voltage)

Assuming an average motor efficiency of 85% and a voltage of 230 volts, the calculation for a 40 hp motor would be:

FLA = (40 x 746) / (0.85 x 230)

FLA ≈ 160 amps

For safety and to account for potential variations in the motor's operating conditions, it is generally recommended to use a breaker with an amperage rating slightly higher than the calculated full-load current. In this case, a 175-amp breaker or the closest available size to that value would be suitable for a 40 hp motor.