Illegal or code violation

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Jpflex

Jpflex

Electrician big leagues
Location
Victorville
Occupation
Electrician commercial and residential
My company wants me to install outside rusted junk piled size 1-2 NEMA starters for overload ampere protection For motors running on 3 phase 460 volt, if I remember motors run 1 to 2 amperes FLA. FLA on nameplate specifies around 1-2 amperes with 1.25 percent multiplayer sizing for overload protection with 1.15 service factor, book calls for much lower size starter 00 with lower rated contacts.

Apparently company hired someone else willing to throw on their parts from junk yard. This violates NEC and I know better not to comply.

What can I do legally? If I loose my job for wrongful termination. Can I be charged criminally for negligence if insulation catches fire or someone dies after following company’s orders? Boss is not an electrician but has c10. Thanks
 
We are not lawyers so anything you hear on the forum is not legal help at all.

What is the violation of the NEC? Is there something that states no used parts?
 
A size 1 or 2 starter with properly sized overloads can offer protection for smaller motors albeit overkill on starter size.
 
Most motor control center manufacturers use a minimum of a Size 1 starter.
The NEC only cares that a properly sized overcurrent protection is used.
 
You may have to change the OCPD in an oversized combination starter. It may be larger than what is permitted in 430.52 for the motors that will be connected to the starter.
 
Dennis Alwon said:
We are not lawyers so anything you hear on the forum is not legal help at all.

What is the violation of the NEC? Is there something that states no used parts?
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You are not understanding. My complaint is not used parts but wrong size starters THUS ALLOWING EXCESSIVE CURRENT IN WIRES especially during start in rush current overload protection. Nor can contacts be replaced because business will not buy any supplies.
 
That’s my point using a way oversized starter without ability to change contacts etc. starter overload protection is to be sized at 1.25 percent of FLA assuming 1.25 service factor but not 500% as in oversized starter
 
Not to mention fuses for short and ground fault protection are not sized to conductors FLC
 
Jpflex said:
You are not understanding. My complaint is not used parts but wrong size starters THUS ALLOWING EXCESSIVE CURRENT IN WIRES especially during start in rush current overload protection. Nor can contacts be replaced because business will not buy any supplies.
Click to expand...

Well that is a different ball game. Is it getting inspected?
 
Jpflex said:
That’s my point using a way oversized starter without ability to change contacts etc. starter overload protection is to be sized at 1.25 percent of FLA assuming 1.25 service factor but not 500% as in oversized starter
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Why would you need to change the contacts? There would be no reason to do that. Assuming the overload relay uses "heaters" you simply install the correct heaters for the connected motor.
 
Jpflex said:
Not to mention fuses for short and ground fault protection are not sized to conductors FLC
Click to expand...
Fuses are easily changed to the correct size. If the starter had a breaker and not fuses, it can be more difficult to use an oversized starter.
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
Why would you need to change the contacts? There would be no reason to do that. Assuming the overload relay uses "heaters" you simply install the correct heaters for the connected motor.
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Can’t change heaters because owner and contacts likely just need cleaning as the buzz when engaged or bench tested
 
You could use a size 5 starter on a 1/4 HP motor with no problems to other than to your pocketbook (and maybe control transformers). Overload sensing, whether heaters or otherwise, must be able to be selected appropriate to the motor.

To the best of my knowledge, the starter and overload package do not limit (in practical terms) the "ALLOWING EXCESSIVE CURRENT IN WIRES" during the inrush of starting. If the inrush exceeds the trip curve, the power circuit is (should be) opened.

What it sounds like you are asking is analogous to "can I use 10AWG wire for my 3 Watt night light receptacle". Yes, no code issue.
 
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