Air Compressor Plug Wiring Questions

[HomeTheaterMan]

So, I'm considering this air compressor.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Gallon-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000528985

It says its a 240v (reviews say 230v) motor that pulls 22 amps. I know it's meant to be hardwired into a breaker. However, someone asked about using a dryer cord and they did say you could use a plug if the cord/plug was rated for 240v and at least 25 amps. For my situation I feel like having a plug on it would be a much better solution than wiring it directly to a breaker.

Now I have very little knowledge when it comes to electrical stuff in the house. I have this plug for my welder already wired up near where the air compressor will be going. It's on a 40 amp breaker with 8 gauge stranded wire. I have no idea what the name of this style connector is though. Do they make a cord that would be sufficient to safely run this compressor to this plug? Any suggestions on what cord to use?

If I need to wire another style plug in, it's not the end of the world, but it would be easy to just use this one and switch it out when I need to weld.

 

[PoorOwner]

You are not supposed to use a dryer cord and plug with that compressor because the plug's horsepower rating is not enough.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

So, I'm considering this air compressor.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-80-Gallon-Electric-Vertical-Air-Compressor/1000528985

It says its a 240v (reviews say 230v) motor that pulls 22 amps. I know it's meant to be hardwired into a breaker. However, someone asked about using a dryer cord and they did say you could use a plug if the cord/plug was rated for 240v and at least 25 amps. For my situation I feel like having a plug on it would be a much better solution than wiring it directly to a breaker.

Now I have very little knowledge when it comes to electrical stuff in the house. I have this plug for my welder already wired up near where the air compressor will be going. It's on a 40 amp breaker with 8 gauge stranded wire. I have no idea what the name of this style connector is though. Do they make a cord that would be sufficient to safely run this compressor to this plug? Any suggestions on what cord to use?

If I need to wire another style plug in, it's not the end of the world, but it would be easy to just use this one and switch it out when I need to weld.

I do find it comical that despite you knowiing it should be hardwired you take someone's bad advice.

The info you were given about the dryer plug is completely wrong.

First off, a 240v motor doesnt need a neutral. So a dryer plug is completely wrong.

second, That compressor is rated 5HP and standard nema plugs are only good for upto 3HP. so hardwiring is the only option unless you use pin and sleeve plugs which are rated for higher HP. Prepare to open your wallet wide. they arent cheap.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Alright guys, I guess I'll give in and just wire it straight to the breaker. To meet code is the breaker enough of a switch, or does there need to be some sort of seperate switch? What's the best way to run the wire to the compressor? It'll likely be about 5-10 feet at most from the breaker box. Should I run it in conduit, or just run try to run the wires along the wall?

 

[pattenp]

Since the panel is only 5-10 feet away from the compressor the breaker can serve as the disconnect. As far as wiring goes it depends where the wire can go without being subject to damage. You may be able to run Romex from the panel to a junction box and then use a flex whip from the junction box to the compressor. If the motor is a true 5HP you will need a minimum of a 35A circuit conductors, which is #10 THHN in conduit or #8 NM-b (Romex).

 

[dogdog]

Hey OP, can you record some sound bites from this compressor once you set it up,.... It says 87db not sure how loud that is ... say 10' away ? maybe ? Interested in their 60 gallon ones... but afraid of their rating that says loud.

 

[PoorOwner]

I ran fnmc to the compressor
Just secured it on the stucco along the way. I heard the whip can be only 6 feet long unsecured I added a junction box within that 6 feet.

The breaker can be used as a switch. A flip style switch cost about $50. Breaker is cheap enough.

Dogdog I have pretty much the same compressor in porter cable, draws 22 amp and 15 cfm. Made by devilbiss. it is loud lol. It’s the same as a lawn mower.

 

[dogdog]

..

Dogdog I have pretty much the same compressor in porter cable, draws 22 amp and 15 cfm. Made by devilbiss. it is loud lol. It’s the same as a lawn mower.

O! Thanks, thought it is a two stage pump should have been less noisier, guess I'll throw that idea out and save for a more quieter one,... no can't afford a scroll compressor or able to justify for one

Ok back to schedule programming If I were the OP, I would just go 10 ga wires and hard wire it... probably cheaper than going for a matching 240V NEMA plugs... it's not like you are going to move that thing very often...

 

[PoorOwner]

I had wired it in different garages with 10 gauge and 30amp breaker, have gone the dryer plug route before but found it easier with the whip, no code violation is a plus.

MY manual specifically says use 30 amp breaker, I have no HP rating on the motor name plate, so they can't fault me.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Because I've never seen the connector on the compressor end of this thing, what wire do I need? Is it 10/3 that it requires?

 

[pattenp]

Use an AC whip like this from a junction box on the wall to the compressor switch box.
https://www.homedepot.com/p/AFC-Cable-Systems-Liquidtite-10-3-x-6-ft-AC-Whip-8015-HD/202286686

The whip uses #10 THHN so it's good for 35A.

Look back at my post #5.

Like this....
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