Heads and cam

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Nov 19, 2005 | 03:51 PM

fredk

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 915

Likes: 55

From: Muskoka Ontario

Heads and cam

I just got the heads off today, not a bad job, tomorrow try and get the cam out. I have a compressor question, there must be some experts on the forum. It's 5 hp with a 20 gallon tank. It has it's own 20 amp service and sometimes it blows the circuit but not all the time. Oil is ok, it is cool enough, any suggestions. Can I continue to use it when it is cycling ?????

Thanks

Fred

Nov 19, 2005 | 05:22 PM

prattman

Instructor

Joined: Dec 2004

Posts: 175

Likes: 0

From: Athens Alabama

You can use the compressor while it is cycling, but if you are using more air than it can produce your tools may not perform well.
I wonder what amperage your compressor motor is rated?
If you are tripping the circuit breaker, you are pulling more than 20 amps with your compressor, or there is something else running on that circuit.
Another thing to consider is the 20 amp circuit you have your compressor connected to.
Is it actually wired for 20 amps?
How far from the breaker is the compressor, what size wire is used, is it running off an extension cord, and are you sure that nothing else is on that circuit?

A few things to check.

prattman

Nov 19, 2005 | 06:30 PM

fredk

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 915

Likes: 55

From: Muskoka Ontario

Yes, I just wired the cicuit and it is 20 amps with nothing else on it. Compressor draws 15 maximum so I don't know what is causing the breaker to trip. Oh and I am not on an extension cord.

Thanks

Fred

Nov 19, 2005 | 08:04 PM

Muffin

Race Director

Joined: Jun 1999

Posts: 14,924

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From: Merritt Ils Fl

The surge when starting will excede 20 amps. The motor is attempting to start and pump against some existing pressure. Big difference from starting with an empty tank. Do I need to explain how I know this? I am about to upgrade to a dedicated 30 amp. Tired of resetting the breaker.

Nov 20, 2005 | 05:59 AM

bobmic93

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 2,695

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From: Chicago Illinois

The 5 HP compressor = 3730watts of power. 1 hp = 746 watts. Divide your total wattage by the Voltage 120 and that gives your amperage. Your running 22.5 amps and at start up it draws even more then that. I reccommend # 10 gauge wire and a 25 or even a 30amp breaker.

Nov 20, 2005 | 12:53 PM

tjwong

Le Mans Master

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 8,596

Likes: 19

From: Portland Oregon

It really depends on what the FLA rating of your compressor is and at what voltage. Most 5hp compressors are wired for 220v, which if it is rated at 15 AMPs @220 then at 110 the current rating doubles. A typical induction motor will draw 7x its rated FLA rating at start up. For the most part if that compressor is rated to run on a 220v circuit I would be running it on a 30amp breaker, provided your wiring is at least a #10 or, in reality a #12 will handle it at 220v, as it is rated at 20amps for 110v. The code book will say no but it will work. Especially for instaneous inrush current at start up with a running current of <20amps.

Nov 20, 2005 | 04:12 PM

fredk

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: May 2005

Posts: 915

Likes: 55

From: Muskoka Ontario

Running number 12 wire and it is 110v.

Nov 20, 2005 | 09:33 PM

bobmic93

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jul 2004

Posts: 2,695

Likes: 0

From: Chicago Illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by tjwong

Look at the compressor, it should have a metal tag or sticker on it with the electrical specs. Put a 30 amp breaker on their for now. But you should change the wires to #10.