Converting a 220 air compressor to 110

[junkyardjeff]

I am going to put my old compressor from the garage into the basement to run a staple gun and air brush for my models,where I want to locate it has a 110 outlet but would a 110 motor handle filling a 60 gallon tank.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

It's not the tank you have to worry about, it's the compressor head. A pic or description of the head would help.

 

[junkyardjeff]

Its a 30 year old Campell Hausfeld.

 

[RPH]

Take a picture of the motor nameplate. It’s the motor specs that determine your success here.

 

[Mick56]

Is the fuse box in the basement? Couldn't you run a 220 line? Might be easier than re-motoring.

 

[Bretny]

My the time you buy a motor thats 120v you could have just bought a small 120v compressor. A staple gun and air brush dont even require half that much air.

 

[Davefr]

It's probably a 5 HP motor, 3450 RPM, 25 amp.

The best you can do with 120VAC is about 2 HP, 3450, 17 amp and that's assuming your 120 circuit is 20 amps. If it's a 15 amp circuit that will mean a 1.5 HP motor max.

You'll likely need to reduce the motor puller diameter significantly to turn the pump and you might fall below the min. speed threshold for the pump. The smaller pulley might not even work if it's circumference is too small to grip the belt.

It's sound like a big PIA with an un-certain outcome.

Just buy a smaller unit for the basement or plumb some air lines from garage to basement.

 

[Citation]

The pump can probably be run slowly enough to handle a motor with half the original power. Can you find a model number on the pump itself? That looks like a Speedaire 2Z499 pump (made by CH). Based on the specs I've seen on line the 499 can be run with a 1hp motor (true 1hp)

I agree that this wouldn't be a cost effective idea unless you can get a motor on the cheap. I would, in general, not suggest getting a 120v compressor and using this tank as increased reserve. It will take a 120v compressor a long time to fill that tank and may over heat the pump depending on type. For the price of a 120v motor you can probably just purchase a smaller new or used compressor.

 

[Larryjones]

For what you are going to use it for a small pancake compressor would work fine. Sell the big one and get the smaller one.

 

[junkyardjeff]

The more I think about it I will get someone to run a 220 outlet for it,it will probably be cheaper to do that or trade it for a smaller 110 compressor.

 

[2oolhound]

Most of those are 220 single phase so you can plug into the dryer outlet when not using your dryer. I just bought a 25' extension cable to go from the dryer plug to the compressor which I got at the welding shop but HF should have them too. You just need to unplug when you need the dryer.

 

[junkyardjeff]

Most of those are 220 single phase so you can plug into the dryer outlet when not using your dryer. I just bought a 25' extension cable to go from the dryer plug to the compressor which I got at the welding shop but HF should have them too. You just need to unplug when you need the dryer.

That thought has crossed my mind.

 

[2oolhound]

It's the best because you're not messing with the household wiring. I got the extension on sale for $45.

 

[junkyardjeff]

It will be about 15 feet from the dryer.

 

[bsaint]

This is a tiny pump. Ive seen them run off of as low as 3/4hp. 15 amps at 120v. Run it off an extension cord. Just rewire the motor for 120. The diagram is on the motor.

 

[Jbullfrog]

Does the motor name plate show it as 110/240v? If it does, it's a matter of replacing the cord. and switching connections in the motor.

 

[junkyardjeff]

Does the motor name plate show it as 110/240v? If it does, it's a matter of replacing the cord. and switching connections in the motor.

I will look tonight.