Garbage Disposal Circuit and Switch Ratings

[JustAGuyInMN]

A couple years ago I installed a 1HP insinkerator garbage disposal. Nameplate says 10.2 amps "typical".

Based on NEC 430, nameplate amps don't matter for most details. FLA table shows 16A. Which means a 20A circuit breaker, 12 awg wire, a 1HP motor rated switch and a 20A receptacle. And the disposal didn't come with a cord and plug so I bought #12 SO cord and got a proper 20A rated NEMA 5-20 plug as well so it could only be plugged into a 20A receptacle.

But my question is, am I crazy? Googling this topic and looking at various posts on this forum I'm not seeing anything that goes to this extent. And I'm seeing button-style air switch controllers for disposals that say they're rated for 2HP but have the 5-15 style plug. I just don't see how that checks out.

Thanks!

 

[tom baker]

Many motors are marked with inflated hp ratings, ie a 2 hp door opener, or a 5 hp air compressor, as hp sells motors for the typical consumer. 430.6 covers this, just use the FLA.

 

[JustAGuyInMN]

Thanks for the reply, Tom.
I assume you're referring to 430.6 Exception 3. As you said this specifies full load amps but the disposal nameplate and spec sheet only refer to 10.2 amps as at "typical load". This makes me think that requirements for exception 3 haven't been met. Additionally the only mention in the installation manual is that the circuit and switches etc should be rated for 1HP. No mention of the 10.2A at all.