240V Air Compressor to 120V Help

[thursday]

I'm interested in picking up this old 4 HP 20 Gal Craftsman compressor model # 919.176841. As of right now it's wired for 240 V with a NEMA 6-20. I currently don't have 240 V in my garage, but I like the idea of having a 240 V compressor so that when the day comes that I move somewhere with 240 V I can take advantage of it. Now I know there's a lot of motors out there that are capable of being wired for either 120 or 240, I just don't know if this particular model is capable.

Is anyone familiar with this model compressor, and can tell me if the motor can be rewired for 120 V? Or have any other solutions?

 

[CNGsaves]

Quite of few of those style compressors were indeed . . Dual voltage . . meaning they could be wired 240v or 120v. Speedaire is another great brand in that same style that were dual voltage.

Ask the Seller to email you Pic of the motor plate. It should have the specs on both. Post up that motor spec pic and the Sparky's on GJ will give you the lowdown on wire size, breaker size, etc.

Be sure to check for proper draining of tank, which can be a problem on those horizontal tanks.

Your plan to grow into 240v with that style of compressor is excellent !

 

[EDGAR]

If the motor is a real 4 hp motor (doubtful), there is no way you can run it with 120 volts. The most you can run with 120 volts with a 15 amp breaker, is 1.8 hp. With a 20 amp breaker circuit, about 2.4 hp. Many air compressor motors are overrated and more so the type of compressor you want to buy.

Read the article linked below to find about "untruthful horse power ratings for electric air compressors".

http://www.wisedan.com/aircomp.html

 

[Buckgnarly]

I will have to check, but that looks exactly like my backup compressor and it is dual voltage.

 

[Notgrownup]

Will pull way less juice if you wire a 240 breaker and receptacle if I am not mistaken....

 

[Jason280]

Yes, amperage draw will be twice as much on 120v versus 240v.

I have two of those compressors, and I am pretty sure they are dual voltage. I can't remember for sure, but I will check them once the rain stops and I am able to unstick my **** from the couch and turn off Lillyhammer.

As far as the compressor itself goes, they are pretty good units and very quiet. I couldn't believe how much quiet my first one was compared with a pancake style Bostich oil-less compressor, almost night and day. Of course, mine have been semi-retired since I picked up an 80gal IR, but they do see occasional use.

 

[wild cowboy]

well SURE you are wired for 240V, just make a cord end electrically correct using an old dryer plug!

now unplug the dryer and use your compressor when the wife is not looking!

 

[Kracin]

well SURE you are wired for 240V, just make a cord end electrically correct using an old dryer plug!

now unplug the dryer and use your compressor when the wife is not looking!

i dont think theres a single man who hasn't realized this. and then we all need to bow our head in respect for all those loads of laundry that never made it to the dryer the one time they forgot to switch the plugs back around and the wife found out....

 

[wild cowboy]

Will pull way less juice if you wire a 240 breaker and receptacle if I am not mistaken....

not really "way less" perhaps very slightly less

you have to look at the total watts used (volts x amps) to calculate energy used - it is roughly half the amps and double the volts using it in 240V mode, slightly more efficient, not much though.

 

[Notgrownup]

Well I have a dual one and I am wiring it 240v

 

[firebox40dash5]

Read the article linked below to find about "untruthful horse power ratings for electric air compressors".

http://www.wisedan.com/aircomp.html

Damn... while that page isn't terribly inaccurate... dude's got some hilarious nearly-paranoid ramblings going on on the other ones. I get the feeling he's more nuts than chipmunk ****. I give it 9 out of 10 for hilarity.

Will pull way less juice if you wire a 240 breaker and receptacle if I am not mistaken....

Same "juice" if we're talking watts, half the amps becausethe voltage is doubled.

I know my dad's old Emglo was never fond of much extension cord, at least not on a 15 amp circuit, but you can always add hose length. But, keeping it 240V allows you to use a smaller wire gauge if you need to cover aome distance. If you've got room in the panel for a double pole, and it's in or near the garage, you could add a circuit for around $50.