Compressor wiring

[davey25]

So I read the thread about hard wired or plug and I was initially going to hard wire but then After reading I figured why not a plug its another spot to plug my welder for mobility..so I went out and bought the 50 amp welder receptacle and a plug for the compressor..I just picked up the compressor and it has a dryer plug right now that has been attached..I'm also not sure about a motor starter?? It has a true 5 hp leeson 100 percent duty motor on it..it was converted from 600v..it obviously worked before but I want it to be safe..I had a 10/2 wire already run in that spot so I was going to use that..it's on a 30 amp breaker..
Help !!

 

[davey25]

Ohh yah after I read about plug or no plug then I read on hear you shouldn't even use a plug..forgot to mention that..

 

[Aceman]

If you've already read the thread on why cord and plug compressors aren't correct, then I won't bother explaining it again. Run a proper circuit for each piece of equipment.

 

[davey25]

What's the reasoning. . There's so many things that run on plugs and draw large amps

 

[89GLH]

My 60 gallon Quincy is on a plug, an L6-30R. Been that way for 5 years without issue. Shrug.

 

[davey25]

i think its more a matter of using the proper sized plug, because we use plugs for many huge devices, and they never have issues..

 

[Aceman]

Yes, you can cord and plug most anything together if you buy the proper size. But, it takes a higher rated device than the 30 and 50 amp receptacles most folks are used to installing. Also, with the higher rating, comes a much higher price.

See for yourself. Here's Leviton's data sheet on the commonly used 50 amp "welder" receptacle. The horsepower rating is right at the top:

http://www.leviton.com/OA_HTML/ProductDetail.jsp?partnumber=5374&section=42418

 

[justsam]

As pointed out, just because you can do it, (and I include myself) does not make it NEC compliant.

There are HP ratings due to the inrush current for a motor being much greater than operating current, so the connector must handle that load. Look for pin and sleeve type connectors to handle this type of thing and have your wallet ready.

Attached are typical connectors the consumer may find and their specifications. Note the HP ratings.

http://www.frentzandsons.com/hardware%20references/plugandreceptacleconfiguratio.htm