"Chris Lewis" wrote in message
...
According to Rick :

Although, unless the Code has changed since my latest book (1999),
the
80% rule for switches applies to motor loads. But your point is
well
taken!

Not quite. Switches for "motors" (except for small ones like those
in clocks) are supposed to be "horse power rated". So, not only
must the switch ampacity be sufficient, the switch must ALSO be
rated for the HP the motor generates. Which is why you don't use
ordinary wall switches for large motors.
--

Unless the motor is 2 HP or less and a general use snap switch only
for use on AC, according to 430-83 C 2...