Frank,
Yes it is an appliance, but, look at 422.3:
"The requirements of Article 430 shall apply the the installation of motor-operated appliances..."
and 422.12(G): "Motors of motor-operated appliances shall be provided with overload protection in accordance with Part III of Article 430."
We use the nameplate for the overload (heaters) protection, and the tables from Article 430 for the short circuit and ground fault protection, and choosing the size of the conductors and disconnects.
