Electrical mathQuestion 815 of 1506

A motor draws about 12 A when running. At start it can draw up to ten times that current for a short time. What is the likely peak starting current?

  1. About 24 A
  2. About 120 A
  3. About 60 A
  4. About 1.2 A
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Correct answer: About 120 A

Inrush can reach ten times the running current: 12 A × 10 = 120 A.

Source: Lessons in Electric Circuits I: DC (Kuphaldt), 12.4: Fuses

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Questions last reviewed: 18 October 2026