The disconnecting means of a hermetic-type refrigerator compressor shall have an ampacity of at least ___ of the nameplate rated-load current.

• A. 125%
• B. 80%
• C. 100%
• D. 115%

Answer: (D)

The main idea is that the disconnecting means must be sized to handle the compressor’s running current plus a small startup surge. For a hermetic-type refrigerator compressor, the ampacity must be at least 115% of the nameplate rated-load current. This 1.15× factor provides enough margin for the brief inrush that occurs when the compressor starts, while the motor’s overload protection handles longer-duration overloads. The nameplate current reflects continuous running, not the startup spike, so a rating of 115% ensures the disconnect won’t overheat or nuisance-trip during start-up. Options that imply 100% or 80% would not cover startup, while 125% would be more than needed for this specific case.