Greetings, I recently had to purchase a replacement compressor for my shop and bought a CH TQ3104 5 h.p. 80 gal, single phase 230v unit, little larger than my last one that died. Paperwork recommends using 8 ga wire to power unit, that seems rediculously large. I would think 10 would be plenty - paired with a 30 amp double breaker. Any suggestions are appreciated. Very Best, Bret
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Campbell Hausfeld TQ3104
- Thread starter BretD
- Start date
If your using romex then #8 is required for a 5 hp motor. If your using wire in conduit then you could use #10 because you can use the higher temperature rating.
Max breaker size would be 70A, I would recommend a 40A minimum.
A 30A breaker may trip on startup with a real 5hp motor.
Max breaker size would be 70A, I would recommend a 40A minimum.
A 30A breaker may trip on startup with a real 5hp motor.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Thank you sir. The 10 gauge i was thinking of using is a rubber body 3-conductor stranded. I see what you're saying about if I were using romex. I will go with the 40amp on the breaker. Thanks again, Bret
Sounds like youre referring to cordage which cannot be used in place of building wire.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
I'm talking about the cord / wire to connect the compressor to the wall outlet. These compressors do not come with a cord. My apology for not making that clear.
If that compressor is truly 5HP then you cannot use an attachment plug and outlet. It must be hardwired.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
So... coming from a 230 outlet six feet away requires it hard-wired rather than being plugged in? I appreciate the information.
Bret
Yes because there are no nema plugs or outlets rated for more than 3HP.
86 the outlet and do a hardwired whip from the PS to a j box on the wall.
You need #10 THHN in pipe or #8/2 NM-b for the circuit conductors.
shaggyant
Well-known member
If that compressor is truly 5HP then you cannot use an attachment plug and outlet. It must be hardwired.
Not true, I use pin and sleeve style connectors for motors at work all the time. There are connectors rated for up to 100 horsepower.
However, I agree that the OP does not need or want a $500 plug and receptical connection and would be much better off hard wiring a compressor that will probably be bolted to the floor anyway.
Edit: link added
https://www.mc-mc.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/10362_APPA_specsheet.pdf
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Although it's common around here to cord & plug connect furnaces in the attic, it is not really compliant to cord & plug connect a permanently installed piece of equipment, used the furnace as a example only.
wyliesdiesels did mention NEMA connectors which pin & sleeve connectors are not.
wyliesdiesels did mention NEMA connectors which pin & sleeve connectors are not.
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
Not true, I use pin and sleeve style connectors for motors at work all the time. There are connectors rated for up to 100 horsepower.
However, I agree that the OP does not need or want a $500 plug and receptical connection and would be much better off hard wiring a compressor that will probably be bolted to the floor anyway.
Edit: link added
https://www.mc-mc.com/ASSETS/DOCUMENTS/ITEMS/EN/10362_APPA_specsheet.pdf
Doubt there is one person on here willing to spend as much money on an attachment plug as the whole compressor cost. That is why i didnt mention it. So pin and sleeve plugs and outlets are irrelevant.