Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Hello, I am wiring a ~2 foot whip from the motor to a relay on my compressor. The motor is a 5 Hp 220 rated at 29.5 amps at full load. Will 10 gauge be enough for this, or go with 8 gauge? thanks
air compressor whip wiring question
- Thread starter Bellaireroad
- Start date
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
The difference is pennies, why even consider the lesser wire? Go with the 8 gauge, less heat loss, less chance of voltage loss and just all around better choice. The 10 gauge is probably NEC legal, but I would not do it.
OP
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
You asked. I have a bunch of 10 gauge and no 8 gauge, and I hate going to home depot on Sunday
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Did the compressor not come with it already wired?
What kind of compressor? Usually thats already wired up.
Id like to see what the manufacturer would use.
Technically, the wire should be 125% of NEC FLC which is 28a for 5hp.Yours is 29.5a so it should be #8 but u could probably get away with #10.
What kind of compressor? Usually thats already wired up.
Id like to see what the manufacturer would use.
Technically, the wire should be 125% of NEC FLC which is 28a for 5hp.Yours is 29.5a so it should be #8 but u could probably get away with #10.
OP
Bellaireroad
Well-known member
Its a Heinz 57 ..started life as a snapon with chinook k30 pump and 7.5 baldor motor. Still has the chinook, now has a Leeson 5 hp 184T frame. the whole thing is getting redone, tank has been sandblasted and powder coated, pump has been honed, new rings and valves........wiring and plumbing is left
http://www.leeson.com/leeson/searchproduct.do?invoke=viewProductDetails&motorNo=131622.00&productType=0
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Yes #10 THHN that is. If NM-b is used then #8....
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
I agree but u never know. Someone might have an extra piece of it laying around and use it.
engineer031
Well-known member
5 HP motor should be 23 amps #10 would work but myself I would use #8
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
No. The NEC FLC for 5hp is 28a.
TAMPAGT07
Well-known member
Hey OP, why did you go from a Baldor to a Leeson? I just picked up a Baldor 5hp on Ebay for $350 shipped... For this price I couldn't even get a Northern Tool 5HP Leeson....
TAMPAGT07
Well-known member
I saw the OP's posted data sheet, but this can't be correct....
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
I saw the OP's posted data sheet, but this can't be correct....
What i said or what engineer said?
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
This is the chart used for sizing motors in the NEC
#10 would be fine.
Engineer is incorrect
#10 would be fine.
Engineer is incorrect
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
#10 THHN that is...
alfredeneuman
Well-known member
NM-b can't be used where subject to physical damage ...... as in the case of a whip to a compressor
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Whoops...i totaly forgot we were talking about whips...