In the process of laying out my attached garage electrical. I have a new 200 amp panel for the house with a 40 amp 240v going to a sub panel in the garage. I want to run a disconnect for the compressor, but I would prefer it to NOT be hardwired. Is there any reason I can't run an outlet from the disconnect and plug in the compressor? So pretty much just using the disconnect as the on/off switch. Thanks for any thoughts. Also, first post here, but long time viewer. Great place
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240 volt outlet question
- Thread starter Bubba77
- Start date
LX-Markham
Well-known member
I used a heavy duty switch for mine, it feeds a wall outlet as you described.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-MS302-DS-Disconnect-Industrial-Non-Grounding/dp/B002MPQ51O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376597331&sr=8-1&keywords=leviton+ms302-ds
It's rated for a 5HP single phase motor.
http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-MS302-DS-Disconnect-Industrial-Non-Grounding/dp/B002MPQ51O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376597331&sr=8-1&keywords=leviton+ms302-ds
It's rated for a 5HP single phase motor.
Last edited:
Hello,
Does your compressor motor have thermal overload protection?
What is the amperage draw of your motor?
Best regards
Carl
It is 15 amp. As far as thermal overload protection, I do not know. It is currently at another location.
At 15 amps you should be fine with the switch described above.
Although I'm guessing that your compressor has one of those combination
On off switch and pressure switch in one unit, in that case, you just need to
Plug it in.
In the unlikely event that you discover that your motor does not have built in thermal overload I would suggest a more robust motor starter with thermal overloads built in.
A Nema size 0 should work in your application, the outlet will serve as your disconnect.
Do take care with electrical matters,
Carl
Although I'm guessing that your compressor has one of those combination
On off switch and pressure switch in one unit, in that case, you just need to
Plug it in.
In the unlikely event that you discover that your motor does not have built in thermal overload I would suggest a more robust motor starter with thermal overloads built in.
A Nema size 0 should work in your application, the outlet will serve as your disconnect.
Do take care with electrical matters,
Carl
LX-Markham
Well-known member
What I like about having mine wired on a switch is that I can switch it one when I walk into the garage. My compressor is mounted up high out of reach, so it's inconvenient otherwise.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
You probably will not be code compliant with a receptacle, possibly even a switch, depending on what it is.
Receptacles, plugs, and switches (devices) are all either not motor rated at all, or have a specified hp limit, know as a "motor rating". The hp rating of a device is way below what the amp rating of that device. ie. a 30 amp circuit could easily run a 5 hp motor, however, virtually all 30 amp devices that have a motor rating, are limited to 2 hp.
So, the million dollar question is, what is the ACTUAL horsepower rating of the motor, as marked on the motor data plate, and is it a 120v or a 240v motor?
Charles
Receptacles, plugs, and switches (devices) are all either not motor rated at all, or have a specified hp limit, know as a "motor rating". The hp rating of a device is way below what the amp rating of that device. ie. a 30 amp circuit could easily run a 5 hp motor, however, virtually all 30 amp devices that have a motor rating, are limited to 2 hp.
So, the million dollar question is, what is the ACTUAL horsepower rating of the motor, as marked on the motor data plate, and is it a 120v or a 240v motor?
Charles