Air compressor help

[gwayms]

Someone gave me an old sears craftsman 1.5hp compressor. the the says its from 1977, motor wired for 230v but has a normal 3 prong plug. So I guess my question is, isn't 230v the same as 220v? Are the plugs different?
I have a 220 recept in my garage but the plugs is different.
Any information on this compressor would be helpful.

 

[zkling]

Are you sure it is the exact same plug as on a 115V 3 prong? Typically the 230v low amp plugs have one of the flat blades turned 90° from the orientitaion of a 115v plug.

Yes, most motors that are 220v can also be 230v. The plug style depends not only on voltage, but the amperage it is rated at. Now you have to be careful when 208v comes into play. I always check over electrical wiring, and typically redo it myself whenever I purchase a used electrical appliance. I tend not to trust many when it comes to wiring.

EDIT, here is a diagram list of common NEMA configurations based on amperage and voltage.

http://www.generatorjoe.net/html/web/outlet/quailplug.html

 

[hofferwood]

220, 230, 240----don't get them started.
We need a pic of the plug----a 240 20amp plug will not fit in a 240 15amp recpt

I flipped it for you.

 

[gwayms]

Sorry heres a pic of the plug. I uploaded the first pic from my Ipad, not sure why it was upside down

 

[zkling]

Well that's shady. Are you sure it is currently wired for 220v? Did the PO show it running on 220v?

I would check the wiring, it is probably 115v.

 

[gwayms]

Thats kinda what I was wondering, if it had be rewired or something. A friend of mine is a mover and was moving someone the other day, they asked if he wanted it. Said it ran great, but would sometimes trip a breaker. Other than that, thats all the info I have. I figure it was just 110v, when i saw the plug

 

[zkling]

I bet it is wired for 115v, especially with the "sometimes trip a breaker" comment. It would be nice to put it on a 220v circuit, but not needed. Best to keep that on a 20amp, semi dedicated 115v circuit if you leave it 115v. Nevertheless I would still double check the wiring. There should be a diagram on the motor for 115 vs 220 operation.

 

[hofferwood]

I would say it was originally wired 240, and was changed to 120.
That is a 120v plug. Just plug it in to a 120volt, 20 amp outlet. if it starts, you are good. if it just Humms wrong plug and it's still wired for 240.
This will not harm anything-----It would if it was the other way around (wired for 120 with a 240 plug)

 

[gwayms]

Awesome, thanks guys. Ill give it shot tomorrow.
And then post some pics of the old stick welder my dad gave me. Old Craftsman.

Again,

Thanks