Free compressor from work, need wiring advice for home

[Treorp55]

I just got this compressor from my work for free as we are moving locations and don't use this at work:

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100083...roductId=100083906&R=100083906#specifications

I assume it is possible to run this 240v compressor off my barns power? What is the safe and correct way to wire this off a residential breaker box? My garage has its own service and the box is not even half full, so plenty of room and power available.

 

[deter]

Yes, quite easily. But if you don't know that already, I would recommend you get some help. Either hire someone or have someone show you how.

 

[Treorp55]

I plan on having help and figured it was ok, but want to make sure. I am a carpenter, not an electrician, but can do anything. Just never messed much with anything besides basic residential wiring...plugs, outlets, lights ect...

 

[Aloneinsi]

The distance from the panel to the compressor will determine if you need to increase your wire size from #12 to #10 or #8. I would use a minimum of a twinned 20A breaker or a twinned 30A breaker. You need to know start amperage, which is usually 50% higher than the running amperage. I would also install a separate fused knife switch within 5ft of compressor. Sounds like overkill, but well worth it. I would play safe and increase wire size if wire run nears 30ft( go to #10 after 30ft) (#8 after 50ft ). Amperage draw increases as supply wiring length increases. Hope this helps, Mike P.

 

[Outlawmws]

In case it wasn't clear, that should be a dedicated circuit.

 

[kenfain]

Lots of books at home improvement stores. Most, would cover a simple circuit like this. I wired my own compressor, nothing hard or complicated. New electrical is pretty easy to understand. All you need to know is on the plate on the motor. Amps n stuff. That will tell you how big the breaker, and wire will be. Book shows how to wire inside the panel, also to the disconnect switch, then to the compressor. Book will also keep you from code violation. If that means anything where you live. Me I'd put it in some sort of conduit.

 

[Treorp55]

Thanks, it will only be about 5 ft from the box, and I believe it was on a twin 20a at our work.

 

[kenfain]

Thanks, it will only be about 5 ft from the box, and I believe it was on a twin 20a at our work.

10ga. Ought to do it. How bout piping air? What are your plans on that?

 

[Treorp55]

My garage already has black pipe throughout from the previous owner

 

[mrjaw14]

it's 15A @ 240v, so that's 7.5A per "hot" meaning that dual 20's would be fine for the breaker. If it's a short distance from the panel I'd over-size the wire just for the hell of it. Electric motors are thirsty on power up, and the motor will last longer if it can get all it needs comfortably. I'd do #10 Awg if it were me

 

[treimers]

Yes, quite easily. But if you don't know that already, I would recommend you get some help. Either hire someone or have someone show you how.

If we all paid someone else to do everything we don't know how to do,
we'd never learn anything.

America was made great by people figuring things out...

Definitely always go for the 'get someone to show you how" option.

Unfortunately, that does not mean asking anyone in HD or Lowes.
The 16-year old won't have any idea.
And those stores won't hire any older guys with actual experience.

I recently overheard a conversation in HD which a retired electrician was being
bitched-out by a manager because he was telling a consumer how to do a
simple electrical job.
The manager told the retired electrician something along the lines of:
"We have names of national contractors who are HD partners. Give customers their names, don't go tell customers how to do the work themselves"

Strange, that, when you consider the "classes" they offer in woodworking, etc.

 

[CNGsaves]

OP . . Nice compressor for free. That deserves a . . . You **** !!

Since previous owner built black pipe airline system, you'll be all set !!

Post up a couple pics once you've got it running.

 

[firebox40dash5]

it's 15A @ 240v, so that's 7.5A per "hot" meaning that dual 20's would be fine for the breaker. If it's a short distance from the panel I'd over-size the wire just for the hell of it. Electric motors are thirsty on power up, and the motor will last longer if it can get all it needs comfortably. I'd do #10 Awg if it were me

Agreed, 10ga is more than plenty, but it's a short run and wire isn't that expensive.

The easier and maybe cheaper way would be to just put a twistlock plug on it (if it lacks one) and put a dedicated outlet there, there's your disconnect. Bonus there is you can use it for other 240v stuff, if you have any. Option B, I was in Lowe's the other day, and they had HVAC cutoff boxes with breaker shutoffs in a couple flavors for under $20, which means no old school fuses to possibly fail.

My personal preference is finding an old 3P contactor/box to take the load off the pressure switch itself (it would just be running the contactor coil, not the motor) but that may prove expensive and/or a hassle. I had the one that came with my formerly 3P compressor, and had to search (and pay up) for the right size thermals because the single phase motor draws more than the 3P did.

 

[ozyborn]

Oh no no no. That will not work at all. Might *** well not even waste your time. Pm me your address and I will stop by and take it off your hands for you. No charge. .


Yes you earned this You ****.....