Air compressor problems

[06bluez]

Hey guys, I have a crappy Buffalo air compressor that I got for next to nothing that I am having a problem with.

The compressor has a 5 hp motor wired for 110 volt and the compressor keeps popping the 20 amp 12ga circuit that I have it plugged into. I am beginning to think that this motor should ideally be wired for 220...

If the damn thing worked as it should, it would be the ideal size for my needs right now. Instead of ditching it and buying a whole new setup, I'd like to fix what I have. Can anyone give me suggestions here? I have looked into using a smaller motor, but do not know how to determine the minimum power that will be needed to turn the cast iron pump...

Would another option be to wire the motor for 220? How could I do that?

I have attached a pic of the compressor and of the wiring...

Thanks for any help!

<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/michael.robert.stout/Compressor/photo#5211197648406000578"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/michael.robert.stout/SFHkpq-XM8I/AAAAAAAABb4/jBgxMCaQPsw/s800/P1030381.JPG" /></a>



<a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/michael.robert.stout/Compressor/photo#5211197674088703634"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/michael.robert.stout/SFHkrKpmJpI/AAAAAAAABcA/Nkjai6_TlrQ/s800/P1030383.JPG" /></a>

 

[LoneGunman]

First off, I doubt it's a true 5hp motor, HP ratings are a total scam when dealing with compressors, it's probably a 3hp. Anyway, there could be something wrong with the motor but I doubt it, ANY 5hp or 3hp motor on a 120v 20amp breaker is going to trip the breaker, the breaker is doing what it's intended to do.

See if the motor can be changed to 220 volts, also look on the tag and see what it says it should draw.

 

[06bluez]

Yea, I figured that it was most likely not a 5hp... Not complaining about the breaker either, I know that it is trying to tell me that something is'nt right!

I will look into re-wiring the motor for 220.

Unfortunately there is not a tag on the motor that specifies the amperage draw...

Thanks for the feedback

 

[LoneGunman]

Is there a tag that has the voltage and some other things listed ( I have never not found a tag unless its old or someone removed it) ? If so, see if it has the letters FLA (full load amps)followed by a number.

On the inside of the electrical cover you took off or someplace by the capacitors you should be able to find either a schematic or it will just tell you what color or numbered wires go where to switch to 220.

 

[06bluez]

Well, I found another compresor with what looks like the same motor and pump as mine...

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=92504

this one is set up for 220 and draws 23 amps on startup. Looks lik I need to re wire my motor for 220.


Can anyone let me know how to rewire the motor? the motor has two sets of Red, blue and Black wires going into it... How can I integrate this with the capacitors that I already have?

 

[goodfellow]

Some of the asian motors were only intended to run on 120v. I have a similar motor on a mill/drill and it specifically states that it should only run on 120v.