Good setup for wiring compressor?

[gpstraub]

I acquired a compressor for a customer that will replace my current unit.

I was planning on adding a dedicated breaker to the existing fuse panel and adding a non fusible safety switch directly below the fuse panel (compressor is going right next to the fuse panel) and then hard wiring the compressor to the safety switch.

My concern is what amperage breaker to use and gauge of wire.

It's a 10 gallon compressor with a twin cylinder pump being run by a 145T General Electric with the following specs:

1.5HP
1 Phase
230 Volts
10.4 Amps
Service Factor of 1.15

I'd like to use this safety switch but it specs 14 gauge wire... that seems a little light to me. I was execting to have to use 12 gauge or lower.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00002NB0H/?tag=atomicindus08-20


Is this a sensible way to to things? Any thoughts/input/criticism would be greatly appreciated. Like all you guys, I like to do things once and do them right

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The amps are low because its 240v. It would be double that if it were 120v. I would NOT hardwire the compressor. This sounds like a portable unit. I would use 12 gauge wire, and a NEMA 6-20 plug and a 6-20 receptacle (which has a T slot to accomodate 6-15 plugs also) This is a standard 240v plug and receptacle, like you would find on a small 240v MIG welder, a 240v window air conditioner, or a Portable 240v air compressor.

6-20P (Plug)

6-20R (receptacle)

This also eliminates the need for a disconnect, which there is no sense in installing if the breaker is right there anyhow. True, you should not use the breaker as a switch, but IF you were to wear it out, a new breaker is less than $4 at Lowes or Home Depot.

Charles

 

[gpstraub]

Unfortunately, it's a little more involved....

The unit is smaller but it's still a bit of a beast. It weighs over a 100 pounds and I have no intention of trying to move it once i get it sitauted in it's final spot.

It'll never be moved. Does it still make sense to just install a receptacle? I like the idea of a hard wire.

What size breaker should I use at the panel?

I attached a few pics of the device if that helps

 

[jtshusker]

Well as charles said, you should probably use 12 gauge wire for the unit, which would need a 20 amp breaker. If you have no intention of moving it, just make sure to make all of your electrical connections in a box.

 

[jtshusker]

If you will never move it hard wire will save you money over using a nema plug in.

 

[jtshusker]

I would have a question for you, saying it only uses 10.4 amp, you maybe be able to get by with 14 gauge which is good for 15 amp, but the cost to upgrade to 12 gauge and a 20 amp breaker is nominal. I would go 12 gauge and a 20 amp breaker to be safe, which wont cost you must more, besides a headache if the 14 gauge 15 amp fails. better to just spend a little more one the 12.

 

[sberry]

And why bother with a disconnect right at the panel? Just more equipment in the way thats not needed.

 

[pattenp]

The disconnect is not needed if your breaker panel is within sight/reach of the compressor. You can get by with 14/2 and a 15A DP breaker if you're watching your pennies. Where the money savings will be is in the wire.

 

[TWX]

I still like the NEMA plug in case you ever want to plug something else in. They're not expensive and it's much easier to unhook in case there's a need than if it's hardwired.

I actually installed a 50A receptacle and circuit so if I ever get a welder I can plug it in.

 

[Falcon67]

I'd just run 12 wire and a 20A breaker. It should pull less than 5 amps running on 240.

 

[gpstraub]

Thanks for the help guys! I decided to use the 20 amp breaker with a short run to a receptacle directly below the panel. I guess the disconnect switch was def overkill. This simpler setup should work great