Compressor motor dead - need suggestions on new one

[malbojah]

Came home from a long trip to find my compressor motor wouldn't turn on. Checked power (yes it's on), checked both capacitors (start and run caps both checked out) but I'm getting continuity from the armature to the shaft (IIRC, I'm not supposed to see anything).

So with that, and very limited local choices near me (Harbor Freight, Tractor Supply, Home Depot) how badly am I screwed. I was working with a 1.5hp 230v 1ph motor.

And while I'm here, what type of wire should I be running between my switch and the motor? Right now I'm using solid romex which people have said will only kill myself (fair enough). THNN wire is suggested, but what strand (again, only have Home Depot / Lowes to buy from locally)

 

[chrispyny]

try craigslist for that motor. Also ebay has very good prices in leeson or baldor motors to your spec you mentioned. I would personally run flex conduit from motor to switch if the switch is surface mounted with a box. I am NOT an electrician, nor did i stay at a holiday inn express last night, but I do not see why properly sheathed romex is that dangerous for your application. I mentioned better options but i just don't see what's so bad about it.

Without crunching numbers, i bet good ol 12g stranded thhn would be fine if you go that route. Probably total overkill. I used #8 for my 5hp single phase 240v baldor motor to power my quincy compressor. #8 thhn is rated for something nuts like 55 amps, #10 is like 40, #12 is 35. These are rough numbers. So your 1.5hp single phase 240v motor should probably be fine with #12 thhn.

Is there 4 wire romex? 2 hots, neutral, and ground even ?

 

[malbojah]

Is there 4 wire romex? 2 hots, neutral, and ground even ?

It's what I'm running now

2 hots and a ground, no wire for neutral on the motor so I clipped it short. Before everyone freaks out and asks how I haven't burnt my garage down (don't know, hasn't happened yet) all the wiring in the shed is being redone once the plasma cutter shows up from the group buy.

 

[volleyball]

I bought a HF compressor for a 1hp 30 gal. that I had. I used it for over a year before selling the whole thing.

 

[malbojah]

I bought a HF compressor for a 1hp 30 gal. that I had. I used it for over a year before selling the whole thing.

I'll have to take a look at the shaft and see which motor uses a 7/8" shaft (for pulley I have now)

 

[burnedzr2]

There is a 2hp marathon motor on craigslist sorta near you now.

 

[malbojah]

There is a 2hp marathon motor on craigslist sorta near you now.

I see that, and looking at the specs on TSC, the shank diameter won't work for me with my current pulley. Guess I could grab a new pulley on the way back if I get that one.

 

[James-W]

Harbor freight has electric motors for a decent price. I just bought a 3hp single phase motor for my table saw a couple weeks ago and it works quite well. The motor can run on 110 or 220 and is reversible too. They also have smaller motors, and I am pretty sure they have the size you want, a 1 1/2 hp motor. Can't hurt to check it out.