Re: Fractional horsepower motor on 20 amp breaker
khkn1598,
I agree with your initial analysis and Steve66's recent one.
When interpreting the NEC it is important to consider overall context as well as the specific Section cited. In this case, Art 430 is broken down in to "Parts" as well as "Sections." Since the motor has integral overload protection, we are only discussing the "Motor Branch-Circuit Short-Circuit and Ground-Fault Protection:" i.e., Part IV.
There is no provision for the motor you have described beyond Sections 430.52(A),(B) and (C)(1).
Of course, if the SC or GF actually occurred in the motor itself, the branch-circuit conductors will still be adequately protected by an otherwise properly applied OCPD and the motor would still have to be replaced or repaired. Since there is no logical reason not to be able to apply 430.53 other than the fact there are no other loads on the circuit, if necessary,it might be a good application of 90.4's "special permission" clause.
I feel a Proposal coming on.