Air compressor wiring

[jeepntxj]

The compressor in question is a Curtis with a single phase 230V 5 HP motor. My dad swears up and down that we need to hook it up with a motor starter and an overload circuit. Is it necessary or just "better"?

We wire up compressors at work this way all the time but they run big motors and 3 phase.

FWIW, he's been in industrial sales for 30 years. Electric motors, gear boxes, etc.

Gettin' through the day with Tapatalk.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Does the motor have an overload button on the end of it, that will pop out if the motor overheats? If not, it certainly needs a motor starter, as that also will contain an overload sensor (in the form of a heat element sized to the amp draw of the motor) that will cause the starter to open if it overheats. 5 hp is the marginal edge of needing a starter, depending on the design of the motor and the capabilities of the pressure switch. If your pressure switch is not capable of handling the amps of a 5 hp motor, plus starting loads, it will certainly need a motor starter. It WON'T hurt to have one and may save you some grief later on from burned out pressure switches or the motor burning up.

Charles

 

[Beaumont67]

Great Post - I'm in the same "boat"
- any suggestions on what to buy and where / on the internet ?? (much appreciated !!)

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Beaumont { :>)) www.petperfectexpress.com
1965 Malibu S/S, 1966 Beaumont Custom original paint, 1967 Beaumont Custom, 1967 Beaumont Custom original paint, 1967 Beaumont 396-350HP Sport Deluxe M21-411's - SOLD 1970 Judge

 

[TOOL MASTER]

i remember when my dad wired his compressor....bzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzt

 

[GLH_Industries]

I just bought a 7 1/2 hp, and all the ones I looked at had a starter on them. I also look at the 5 HP the high end ones had starters and the less pricey ones didn't have, so that must be the breaking point between have to have and just a good idea.

 

[ibedayank]

magnetic start or capacitor start?? big differnce

 

[GLH_Industries]

Im talking magnetic, I would think they all had a start capacitor.