A motor that runs at 14 A starts at 80+. This tool computes the sag during that locked-rotor moment, the starting torque left after it (torque falls with voltage squared), and checks the conductor against NEC 430.22's 125% rule.
Under ~10% starting sag is a clean start. 10–15% is the marginal zone — NEC 695.7 caps fire-pump starting drop at 15%, a useful general ceiling — where hard-starting loads (compressors against head pressure, loaded conveyors) may stall. Beyond 15%, starting torque has fallen below ~72% of nameplate and magnetic contactors approach their ~80% dropout voltage: the hum-trip-repeat failure mode. The model treats inrush as resistive, which slightly overstates sag (locked-rotor power factor is low), so a passing result here is conservative.
In order of cost: reduce the inrush multiple (soft starter or VFD turns 6× into 2–4×), upsize the conductor, raise the system voltage, or move the motor's supply closer. The well pump and compressor presets show typical real-world cases.
The NEMA code letter on the nameplate gives locked-rotor kVA per HP — Code G (the most common) works out near 6× FLC. No code letter? 6× is the standard assumption; high-efficiency motors trend higher.
NEC 430.22 requires branch-circuit conductors for a single motor to be sized at no less than 125% of full-load current — a hard requirement independent of voltage drop.