Help me locate and wire compressor and welder

[Jefe]

I still haven't gotten around to posting my complete build thread, but I've been lurking here for a while and getting lots of useful info.
The garage is almost done. It's fully functional, but I'm adding more electrical devices before insulation and drywall begins. Service is 90a and plenty of space left to add breakers so far.

I'm looking for input on where to place my wiring for a future compressor and welder. The next question is how far should I go on ampacity for these devices? I know this will depend on the equipment I choose to run.

If I do end up welding, it'll be this welder borrowed from work, or one similar that I purchase at some point:

http://www.eastwood.com/tig-welders-eastwood-tig-ac-dc-welder.html

As for compressor, it'll be something not quite professional, but larger consumer unit. For running impact tools, and occasional painting. Maybe something in this range:

http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...rs+&+Air+Tools&prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=L4

So, here are some pics: a floor plan, and panoramas looking north and south.

I'm thinking of nestling the compressor into the NW corner if there is room. Then just adding the welder outlet near the service panel on the north wall.

As far as wiring, am I safe with NM wire in the walls @ 10/2 on a 30a breaker fro the compressor and 8/2 on 40a for the welder, or do I need something beefier?

Am I better off running conduit through the attic space and down in the wall, or outside the wall and using THHN wire?

thanks!

 

[Falcon67]

I would suggest the NE corner because I don't think it'll fit by the man door. That compressor (similar to mine) only needs a 12-2 wire run and a 20A breaker for the motor. If you ever think you'll go up to a 5HP compressor, then pull 10-2, but breaker it at 20.

All the welders that take 240V have a NEMA 50P plug on them. The TIG instructions clearly state that it needs a 30A circuit but you can pull as big a wire as you like.

 

[Gary S]

I located my compressor near the center of the longest wall in my garage, near my breaker box. That makes for the shortest power run to it for the lowest voltage drop. At the same time, it makes it possible to reach any working part of the garage with a 25' hose so it saved me more money by not needing to run air lines.

 

[BFBOB]

If there's a reasonable place, build a little attached shed to get the compressor out of the garage. Cuts noise, saves space, and how often do you really need to get to it? Make said shed match the garage exterior, siding and roof, and big enough to get in to drain, service filter, change oil, etc. 6x4 or 5 might be big enough. make the whole side opposite the garage wall into a door for ease of access.

 

[Jefe]

I would suggest the NE corner because I don't think it'll fit by the man door. That compressor (similar to mine) only needs a 12-2 wire run and a 20A breaker for the motor. If you ever think you'll go up to a 5HP compressor, then pull 10-2, but breaker it at 20.

All the welders that take 240V have a NEMA 50P plug on them. The TIG instructions clearly state that it needs a 30A circuit but you can pull as big a wire as you like.

I'm confused, the mandoor IS in the NE corner, that's why I was thinking the NW corner.

Are you saying it's a bad idea to use a breaker bigger than what is suggested by the welder instructions?

I located my compressor near the center of the longest wall in my garage, near my breaker box. That makes for the shortest power run to it for the lowest voltage drop. At the same time, it makes it possible to reach any working part of the garage with a 25' hose so it saved me more money by not needing to run air lines.

I was considering locating it right next to the breaker box, and maybe even enclosing it in a closet of sorts. I'm just worried that will **** up too much floor space.

If there's a reasonable place, build a little attached shed to get the compressor out of the garage.

That would be cool, but way too much work at this point. this project needs to get done.

thanks guys.

 

[Falcon67]

OK - upper left of the floor plan My bad, my OTHER East.

I would not use a breaker larger than recommended by the device specs. No need. Run a big wire if you like, but no need to put more fuse on it than necessary.

 

[justanengineer]

I would look at possibly using a horizontal tank compressor up in the rafters if you can both fit and support it. Having lived through one fire, I also wouldnt be welding inside that shop period unless you do some major fireproofing. Many get away w/it, but that doesnt make it a good idea.

 

[Jefe]

I would look at possibly using a horizontal tank compressor up in the rafters if you can both fit and support it. Having lived through one fire, I also wouldnt be welding inside that shop period unless you do some major fireproofing. Many get away w/it, but that doesnt make it a good idea.

Hmm, in the rafters is a creative solution. Unfortunately, it's a truss system, and i don't think it's engineered for that kind of concentrated load, and besides the webbing would make it near impossible to get a large tank into place.

So what do you consider "major" fireproofing? I'm sure half the folks on this board weld in stick built structures. It will be sheet-rocked before any welding takes place, and it'll likely be TIG, with no sparks.

Thanks for the feedback.

 

[madosta]

Build yourself a nice steel welding bench with a steel shield around it.

I rented a shop that had a particle board ball divider and the rest was corrugated steel - we did a lot of fabrication, grinding, welding, etc. I would wake up at night paranoid the OSB would be smoldering. We had a rule to do hot stuff on the metal side only.

 

[Steevo]

Just put your compressor up on a pallet rack, above something that actually needs floor space. See the IR T30 on the rack in this pic:

 

[Falcon67]

At the old shop, mine was in the corner for a long time - build a shelf around/over it and it'll just become part of the scenery.

In the new place, it's in the wall between the two internal spaces.

 

[Jefe]

Great tips guys.
Has anyone else built a "closet" or similar around their compressor like Falcon?

 

[Bigturk]

Has anyone else built a "closet" or similar around their compressor like Falcon?

I would be concerned about your compressor not getting enough air to keep it cool during operation. Overheating would shorten it's life expectancy.

 

[Jim Dawson]

That's the one change I would make to my existing garage if I had the expansion room. I would move the 80 Gal. 2 stage compressor outside. It is really loud.

 

[sfckiddo]

depends on what you will be doing in it. as said compressor would be better off outside and you will have to run some line before any water trap or the hot air will condense in the hose and give you moisture. i would and did locate my welder outlet near an overhead door so you can weld outside if you are working on something that either won't fit or you don't want in your shop.