I sought advice from a couple of Electrical Engineers at work. They
assured me that:
1. The NEC allows a 40 Amp breaker on #10 wire IF the wire is only
feeding an electric motor that is hard-wired, AND there are no other
loads on the circuit.

Are you sure about that one. All of the references I am aware of limit the overcurrent device to 30A on a #10 wire.

Anyone know for sure?

--
Al Reid