Another compressor wiring question

[drsung]

I just picked up a used 60 gallon Kobalt compressor and I am trying to figure out the correct way to wire it.

I have a 10/3 romex running into my garage being fed from a 30 amp breaker not within sight of the compressor. There is currently a L6-30R receptacle in the garage.

The compressor says it is 3.7hp and 15amp 220.

What is the best way to wire this thing correctly? I have attached the labels from the compressor and the motor.

What I would like to do is just wire a L6-30P and use the existing receptacle on one end and wire up the compressor end with some stranded 10/2. I think this is ok code wise since the motor is thermally protected and the plug would give me a disconnect. There is also a on/off switch on the compressor itself. What my research has me concerned about is if the NEMA plug can handle the horsepower rating.

Something like this:
https://www.lockingpowercords.com/Products/602-l6-30-power-cord-whips.aspx

-drsung

 

[pattenp]

I'd put in a new dedicated 20A 240V outlet and plug it in. That motor is not much more than 2hp. The 3.7 is hype.

 

[drsung]

I do not have the ability to run additional wire. I have to make do with the 10 gauge wire that is there in the best possible way. Are you saying put a 20A outlet on the existing 10 gauge wire being fed with the 30 amp breaker?

 

[pattenp]

No, do not put a 20A outlet on a 30A circuit. The L6-30P as you asked about will be okay if the motor does have thermal overload protection.

 

[pattenp]

Don't get your wire designations mixed up. Romex that is 2 conductors plus ground is listed as **/2 w/Ground. The same in cord is **/3.

 

[drsung]

Got it. Thanks. The motor definitely says "thermal protected" on the sticker.

 

[pattenp]

There should be a red reset button on the motor if it has overload protection.

 

[Bert_]

30 amp breaker is about right for that motor. Normally you could feed it with number 12 but since you are using a plug it must match the breaker.

Point is what you've got is close to perfect. For those suggesting a 20 amp breaker and plug, I would consider a 20 amp breaker to be borderline too small.

 

[pattenp]

I had a Kolbalt compressor with that same SPL 15A motor and it ran fine on a 20A circuit.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

FLA is 15a and nec flc for 3hp is 17a so thats about a 3HP motor.

 

[u2slow]

My compressor has very similar power requirements. 15-16A @ 240V. It came with a 6-20P corded plug.

In general, I don't like twist-locks. Not only are they costly, but often end up with burnt prongs (in my experience, YMMV.) I prefer straight-blade, in an angle plug if possible. I might recycle a laundry plug/socket... not sure what NEC says about that.

 

[sberry]

Laundry are not wired correctly,,,, doesn't mean guys havnt used them though. I agree a lot of them run on 20. There isn't a fundamental cost difference and I have some 30 so would have to buy 20,,,, so 30 it would be.