Why is the starting current of a 3phase induction motor higher than its rated current?

The emf induced in the rotor depends upon the rotor frequency which further depends on
relative speed between rotor and synchronous speed of rotating magnetic field. The relative
speed at the time of starting or standstill is maximum and hence large emf is induced in rotor
conductors or winding due to which very high current flows in rotor which is generally 5 to 7
times of the full load or running current of an indication motor. The starting current,
sometimes called inrush current will be 8-10 times higher than the motor's rated current
because the motor is at rest. When at rest, the motor appears to be a transformer, with it's
secondary winding short circuited, i.e. the rotor winding or squirrel cage is a closed circuit.
This results in a low impedance to the system voltage and the motor has a "locked rotor"
current of typically 6 times full load current, but also up to 8 and sometimes 10 times current.
This starting value is independent of any load attached, however, the inertia of the motor and
load has to be overcome. This is especially true when the motor is connected to a load, like
a conveyor belt with product on it. The larger the inertia, the longer the motor takes to reach
full speed. As the motor accelerates, part of the starting current power overcomes this inertia
and is converted to kinetic energy. The remaining power of the starting current heats the
rotor, up to possibly 250 deg C for a "long" start (20 seconds!!).During the first couple of
cycles of AC current, transient currents make some of the phases have higher asymmetrical
values, which can cause nuisance tripping of the supply breakers to the motor, when
protection settings are too low! Equation for current: I = P / cos phi / ( 1.732 * V), (cos phi
can be 0.3 during starting). V (voltage) stays pretty much constant, therefore I (current) must
rise (but is limited to the locked rotor value for the specific motor) as P (power) is required to
start the motor and to keep it running. Some voltage drop will occur for most power systems
during a motor start, thus with a constant locked rotor impedance, the starting current will
reduce proportionally. I start = V / 1.732 / Z (locked rotor) for a three phase motor. (Z is
fixed)When nearly full running speed is reached, the current drops rapidly to full load current
or less, depending on the actual load attached.
LOCKED ROTOR WITHSTAND TIME

Locked Rotor Withstand Time is the time the motor can withstand without any damage
when it draws the current equal to the locked rotor current. It is also called Motor safe stall
point. Per NEMA MG 1, section 12.49, "Polyphase motors having outputs not exceeding 500
horsepower and rated voltage not exceeding 1kV shall be capable of withstanding lockedrotor current for not less than 12 seconds when the motor is initially at normal operating
temperatures".

It is an important data for selecting the trip class of the motor overload relay. 12 seconds is
the minimum time specified in NEMA, but most of the cases it is more than this. The motor
data sheet should have this value. Generally there are two values specified for this
parameter, one is cold condition and another is hot condition.
Usually during starting, the starting current is same as locked rotor current till the motor picks
up to its rated speed. The mechanical load torque on the motor during starting has a bearing
on the motor starting time.
The safe time up to which the motor can have this locked rotor or starting current without
causing any detrimental effects on any of its own components is the LRWT.
STRESS DURING BUS TRANSFER
Motors shall withstand the voltage and torque stress developed due to the application of
150% of the rated voltage for at least 1 sec. caused due to vector difference between the
motor residual voltage and the incoming supply voltage during occasional auto bus transfer.
Motor windings shall be adequately braced to satisfactorily withstand the mech. Stresses
during above condition.
Motors shall be capable of withstanding heavy in-rush transient current caused by bus
transfer without damage.
Motors of rating 100 kW and above will be controlled by circuit breaker. For all motors below
50 kW by MCCB and for motors between 50 KW to 100 KW MCCB with E/F protection shall
be used. The terminal box of motors shall be designed for the fault current of 44 kA, 0.25
secs and 50 kA, 0.25 secs for HT & LT motors respectively.