I run my 5 hp on a 2 pole 20 amp breaker with no problems. I was putting it right next to my sub-panel so I bought a six ft. flexible conduit that was pre-wired.
Shop Air Compressor ?'s
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Shop Air Compressor ?'s
MODERATORS: I know this is not C3 specific, so move it to where ever you see fit.
I am stepping up to a new compressor in the shop. Just bought a Craftsman 60 gallon vertical Tank Compressor. It is 230 volt/ 15 amp/ single phase unit.
So, what size breaker do I need in the breaker box to run this thing. I know it will surge on start up, so what size breaker and what size wire gauge to give me problem free painting and body work?
I am stepping up to a new compressor in the shop. Just bought a Craftsman 60 gallon vertical Tank Compressor. It is 230 volt/ 15 amp/ single phase unit.
So, what size breaker do I need in the breaker box to run this thing. I know it will surge on start up, so what size breaker and what size wire gauge to give me problem free painting and body work?
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Sorry for not the right information.
It is a 3.1 HP
I am really surprised it is not listed in the owners manual, but they probably don't want to be responsible for that information (liability issue).
It is a 3.1 HP
I am really surprised it is not listed in the owners manual, but they probably don't want to be responsible for that information (liability issue).
Last edited by HawkIVette; Jul 10, 2013 at 10:47 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
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From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Wire size will depend on how far from the source the unit will be. 230 v breakers are double, there are 2 breakers in each one connected by a tie bar at the reset lever. I'd get a 40 (double 20amp) and use 10 gauge wire. That will have 3 insulated conductors and one bare in it. 10-3 with ground.
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
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From: Hinckley OH
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Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2000
Posts: 2,975
Likes: 1
From: Northwest Iowa
Wire size will depend on how far from the source the unit will be. 230 v breakers are double, there are 2 breakers in each one connected by a tie bar at the reset lever. I'd get a 40 (double 20amp) and use 10 gauge wire. That will have 3 insulated conductors and one bare in it. 10-3 with ground.
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 14,112
Likes: 28
From: Florida
12 ga is only needed, but I would go ahead and use 10ga.
For an air compressor you only need 10-2/ground and a 2 pole 20amp breaker.
Stoves and dryers now require 10-3/w ground (added neutral, newer code) only because they use 110v control circuits, compressor doesn't have this.
You can run 10-3/w ground and just cap off the white wire at both ends.
For an air compressor you only need 10-2/ground and a 2 pole 20amp breaker.
Stoves and dryers now require 10-3/w ground (added neutral, newer code) only because they use 110v control circuits, compressor doesn't have this.
You can run 10-3/w ground and just cap off the white wire at both ends.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 165
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From: Cary NC
Wire size will depend on how far from the source the unit will be. 230 v breakers are double, there are 2 breakers in each one connected by a tie bar at the reset lever. I'd get a 40 (double 20amp) and use 10 gauge wire. That will have 3 insulated conductors and one bare in it. 10-3 with ground.
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
Keep in mind that I am NOT a licensed electrician and this is just my opinion. BE careful!
This right is very close to what I did for my slightly bigger 5HP 80 gallon single phase. He can probably use a 30 though. To much breaker is where the problem comes in. I'd rather trip it off a few times in my life than melt the dam wires off it haha. I only have an issue on really hot days when I forget to open up my compressor door. ( I built a small shed behind my shop to keep the noise out, and save shop space) If it's 90 degrees + out and there is little air flow, and I'm sanding with a DA or spraying a lot I end up popping it. If you end up in a situation like that don't just throw a bigger breaker in, as it's DESIGNED TO DO THIS for your safety.
Last edited by Vinnievega; Jul 12, 2013 at 10:02 AM.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 165
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From: Cary NC
The best way to settle this is to do the equation. If I'm right its Watts / Volts = amps, and you do not want to exceed 80% of the breakers max amperage, or simply look at the motor on the compressor. The next thing that comes into play is the length of the run, which is a whole other equation. I'm still going to say it's safe to run 10/3 under 25 feet with a 30 amp breaker in this situation.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2001
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From: Lubbock Texas
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