How to Size Circuit Breakers for Elevator Motors

Many larger homes feature small lifts or elevators for moving easily between floors. These noncommercial elevators use an electric motor and a series of pulleys to provide lifting power. If you're installing or servicing an elevator in your home, it may be necessary to replace the circuit breaker in order to supply optimal power to the unit. Determining what size breaker the motor requires is not difficult using the information plate on the motor itself.

Lockout tag
Flashlight
Pen and paper

Instructions

- 1
  Disconnect power to the elevator and use a lockout tag on the power supply to prevent accidental activation of the elevator.
- 2
  Locate the electric motor that drives the elevator pulleys. Find the information plate, label or tag on the side of the motor. Use of a flashlight for illumination may be required.
- 3
  Write down the voltage, amperage, kilowatts and horsepower ratings listed for the motor.
- 4
  Use the amperage rating to determine the necessary breaker size for the motor.
- 5
  Multiply the horsepower rating by 746 and divide the product by the voltage listed on the motor if no amperage rating is posted. Use the quotient to determine the necessary breaker size for the motor.
- 6
  Multiply the kilowatt rating by 1,000 and divide the product by the voltage listed on the label if no amperage or horsepower rating appears on the label. Use the quotient to determine the necessary breaker size for the motor.

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