Wire and Breaker Size for Car/Automotive Lift

[Small Electrician]

Hey guys.
Installed wiring for a 2 post car lift in a garage and wanted to double check on some things.

- Motor Nameplate Attached -

Motor is single phase, 2hp, 240v, 12-16 amps
I went by the manual of the lift which said to size wire for 20 amps. Also said to use 20 amp fuse.

I ran 12/2 romex from main panel up to attic and then fed down to a junction box above the lift. From there I ran 12/2 armorlite mc cable down to a double-pole 20 amp switch and then to the lift.

Though I've now found pretty much any other forum saying to use 10awg wire w/30amp breaker.
Does the NEC require a higher breaker such as a 30amp for the motor? Was this installation done right?
Thanks

 

[LarryFine]

The label is printed incorrectly, which is misleading; the higher current applies to the lower voltage.

Therefor, on 240v, the current is 12a; a 20a circuit is adequate.

Even with 12ga wire, you can increase the breaker size if needed to start the motor.

 

[Small Electrician]

The lift itself also has 14 awg wire in it, so any bigger doesn’t make any sense to me.

 

[Small Electrician]

The label is printed incorrectly, which is misleading; the higher current applies to the lower voltage.

Therefor, on 240v, the current is 12a; a 20a circuit is adequate.

Even with 12ga wire, you can increase the breaker size if needed to start the motor.

How would I know if a greater breaker is needed? Would it be if the lift breaker ever trips?

 

[LarryFine]

How would I know if a greater breaker is needed? Would it be if the lift breaker ever trips?

Yes.

 

[Small Electrician]

If it ever trips, I’m guessing I should put a 30 amp breaker. Thanks for the help!

 

[LarryFine]

If it ever trips, I’m guessing I should put a 30 amp breaker. Thanks for the help!

Try a 25 first, if there is one for your panel. And you're welcome.

 

[retirede]

The lift itself also has 14 awg wire in it, so any bigger doesn’t make any sense to me.

The internal wiring of a machine isn’t bound by the NEC. Different insulation types, testing to UL standards, and many other factors come in to play.

 

[Small Electrician]

The internal wiring of a machine isn’t bound by the NEC. Different insulation types, testing to UL standards, and many other factors come in to play.

Good to know.

 

[infinity]

Motor is single phase, 2hp, 240v, 12-16 amps
I went by the manual of the lift which said to size wire for 20 amps. Also said to use 20 amp fuse.

It's listed for 208 or 230/240 what voltage are you using?

 

[Small Electrician]

It's listed for 208 or 230/240 what voltage are you using?

240 single phase in a residential garage

 

[infinity]

240 single phase in a residential garage

So the current will be even less than 12 amps. Should work on a 20 amp circuit.

 

[Small Electrician]

So the current will be even less than 12 amps. Should work on a 20 amp circuit.

12 amps would be rated load or full load amps, correct?

Wouldn’t 14/2 have been enough then?

 

[roger]

Do you have a journeyman working with you that could advise you?