compresser set up help

[KCHOTBOAT]

We moved into a new house a year ago and am getting around to setting up the compressor. In the old house I had the compressor in the basement. In the new place the basement is unfinished and I have a 75 ft run from the breaker box to the garage. Can I run 10 gauge on a 30 amp breaker 75ft or would I be better of placing the compressor next to the breaker panel and running copper pipe to the garage?

 

[Freejack]

I'd think you'd want to have the compressor in the garage from a noise standpoint.

Jake

 

[shopforeman]

75' is probably stretching it. Maybe you should look at putting a sub panel in the garage or go to #8 cable?

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

75' is probably stretching it. Maybe you should look at putting a sub panel in the garage or go to #8 cable?

I was thinking the same thing. What size wire would I need to run with a sub panel for one 220 and maybe four 110s?

 

[rockwithjason]

You never said what the specs on the compressor were. If 30a 220v is all you need, I would upsize to #8 and run a #10 ground. No need for a sub if the compressor is the only load. If you put the compressor in the garage then maybe you would be better off in the long run with a sub panel just for the garage.

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

To make sure I understand how to set up a sub panel. I have a 200 amp main box that is about 2/3 used up. Would I just add a 60 amp breaker to a blank and tie that to the new sub box. The compressor ran on a 30 amp breaker for years at the old house. The reason I like the sub idea is I only have two pairs of outlets in the new garage besides the two for the garage doors.

 

[Aceman]

If 30a 220v is all you need, I would upsize to #8 and run a #10 ground.

Equipment grounds must be upsized as well when phase conductors are oversized.

KCHOTBOAT, yes, adding a 2 pole breaker to your existing panel is how it's done.

 

[flesburg]

If it were me, I'd buy a 100amp sub panel with a main breaker.

I'd put a 100amp breaker in the main panel in the house. Depending on distance you may need to run, use plastic conduit and then pull 3 No 4 or 3 No 6 wires.

I would also ask an electrical contractor for advise. I have found them willing to advise a "do it yourselfer".

As a matter of fact I would hire an electrician to do the job as far as the subpanel in the garage, and then wire the garage myself.

You never know. Someday you may want a table saw (220v 1hp), or a welder (220 v 30 amp). I would also buy sub with room for 20 110v breakers. You can never have too big of a panel.

 

[KCHOTBOAT]

Thanks for all the advice guys looks like for now #8 wire and 40 amp breaker. I would have prefered the sub panel but it is not in the budget right now. Thanks again for everything.

 

[rockwithjason]

no, that is not correct. the equipment ground is chosen based on the size of the breaker. see NEC 205.122 for details.

Equipment grounds must be upsized as well when phase conductors are oversized.

KCHOTBOAT, yes, adding a 2 pole breaker to your existing panel is how it's done.