Compressor Wiring Questions

[AZStang]

Looking at getting the IR SS3L3 compressor and have a wiring question. I have an unused 220V 30A dryer outlet in the garage I was hoping to use but it looks like it has 10 gage solid copper wire coming from the panel about 100 feet away on the opposite side of the house. The compressor says it needs 30A. Is this wire sufficient for this compressor from that distance?

Thanks,
Shawn

 

[pattenp]

I believe that is a 3HP model so a 30A circuit is fine using #10 wire. Does the motor have a data label listing the HP?

 

[matt_i]

I used this calculator.

http://www.southwire.com/support/voltage-drop-calculator.htm

For 240vac, #10awg "overhead", 100ft run, 30A draw, it appears to be 2.6% drop. I would think just fine.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Looking at getting the IR SS3L3 compressor and have a wiring question. I have an unused 220V 30A dryer outlet in the garage I was hoping to use but it looks like it has 10 gage solid copper wire coming from the panel about 100 feet away on the opposite side of the house. The compressor says it needs 30A. Is this wire sufficient for this compressor from that distance?

Thanks,
Shawn

U will have to change the dryer outlet (which is either a 10-30 or 14-30) to a 6-30 for the compressor.

Where does the dryer circuit terminate at? The main service panel?

 

[AZStang]

Thanks guys. Yes, 3hp motor is what the advertising says though I haven't purchased yet. And yes, the dryer circuit breaker is in the main service panel on the opposite side of the house as the attached garage.

I took a closer look at trying to determine the actual length of the wire this afternoon and it looks like it's probably closer to 130' or more. The cable goes to the laundry room outlet first and then travels an additional 30' to a second outlet in the garage. House is set up to run a dryer in either the laundry room or the garage, but not both. Will need to connect the wires together at the junction box in the laundry room to make the outlet in the garage hot. Not sure if that should be simple wire nuts or something else?

Then I will need to run another 30' of wire from the garage outlet to the compressor location. It's looking like that will need to be 8 gage as it's at least 160' from the breaker now.

I found someone on here that said the tag indicates 16.6A for this compressor. I think I should still be fine given the increased length.

 

[matt_i]

Not sure if that should be simple wire nuts or something else?

I would use the split-bolt with many wraps of tape, can get those at box stores.

I would look at the motor nameplate, if its a 208/230 vac as many are then I would still continue with the #10awg.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thanks guys. Yes, 3hp motor is what the advertising says though I haven't purchased yet. And yes, the dryer circuit breaker is in the main service panel on the opposite side of the house as the attached garage.

I took a closer look at trying to determine the actual length of the wire this afternoon and it looks like it's probably closer to 130' or more. The cable goes to the laundry room outlet first and then travels an additional 30' to a second outlet in the garage. House is set up to run a dryer in either the laundry room or the garage, but not both. Will need to connect the wires together at the junction box in the laundry room to make the outlet in the garage hot. Not sure if that should be simple wire nuts or something else?

Then I will need to run another 30' of wire from the garage outlet to the compressor location. It's looking like that will need to be 8 gauge as it's at least 160' from the breaker now.

I found someone on here that said the tag indicates 16.6A for this compressor. I think I should still be fine given the increased length.

I would use the split-bolt with many wraps of tape, can get those at box stores.

I would look at the motor nameplate, if its a 208/230 vac as many are then I would still continue with the #10awg.

While #10 is fine for the running amps @ 160', startup in-rush current may cause an issue with voltage drop...

 

[AZStang]

I would use the split-bolt with many wraps of tape, can get those at box stores.

That's a good idea, thanks.

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While #10 is fine for the running amps @ 160', startup in-rush current may cause an issue with voltage drop...

I'll make the last 30' 8 gage and hopefully it will be fine.