breaker amperage question

[cbccadet2002]

I recently acquired a air compressor to replace my old champion 3/4hp. I get it home to discover that the dayton motor is rated for 230 volts. It's a 3 hp, 15.4 full working amp motor. I planned on resting it next to my dryer in my basement. Would it be acceptable to use a spare 3- wire dryer plug and use just use the dryer plug when i use the compressor? The outlet is a 30a- 125/250v Nema 10-30R. I'm not certain if the 30 amp outlet/ breaker combo is ideal or not for this application. I'm a machinist by trade, No electrical fires experienced in there yet thanks for the insight

 

[pattenp]

Technically it will work. Is it to the letter of electrical code... no. I wouldn't lose any sleep over doing it. Be sure to use the L shaped plug prong for the ground from the compressor. The L shaped prong is actually a neutral.

 

[RECox286]

Each hot leg of the circuit will show about 7 amp draw, so I would

use it as is, or replace the 30A bkr with a two pole 20A, and feed

the compressor with 12/2 romex. or replace the 30A receptacle with

a 20A receptacle and use a short cord with the correct male cord end.

If you follow my ranting.

Uncle Bob

 

[cbccadet2002]

ya i plan on getting a dedicated recip installed on the sub panel. But wanna check everything out on the compressor first. thanks.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A 3HP motor is listed at 17a FLC. Wire is sized at 125% so if the wire feeding the outlet is #10 then you're fine but the outlet is not to code because its an old non-grounding dryer receptacle!

Each hot leg of the circuit will show about 7 amp draw, so I would

use it as is, or replace the 30A bkr with a two pole 20A, and feed

the compressor with 12/2 romex. or replace the 30A receptacle with

a 20A receptacle and use a short cord with the correct male cord end.

If you follow my ranting.

Uncle Bob

Huh? A 3HP motor is listed as having 17a FLC. Even at 15a nameplate rating the draw would be 15a seen on each leg because its a balanced load. The amp draw doesnt get split in half and divided among each leg!

12/2 Romex would not be correct either because of what i said above!

Also, u cant change the breaker to a 20a without also changing the receptacle to a 20a rated outlet! Bad advice!