Instyall specs for a new CH compressor

[KB9MDQ]

My nonprofit I work for received a donated compressor. CH 60 gal VT619501AJ.
Date code by the serial #. 01/24/1997
12@ 40 psi
10@ 90 psi
125 psi max
15A 5 HP (says 6...)

The deal is.... it has never been used Never had oil in it.

OK install plan details:

I need to install in a different location than my horizontal 30 gal Craftsman from the early 80's due to space considerations.

Electrical: 10/2 MC up and across the shop and then 1/2 conduit down with (2) 10 AWG THWN & 12 AWG THWN (ground) into an AC disconnect. Then MC whip to the compressor

Plumbing: Here's my question. The compressor has a 3/4 out hole. I came across a 3/4" Rapidair filter/regulator combo and am thinking of running 3/4 all the way to the hose and eventually running 3/4 Rapidair Maxline plumbing so I have air at both shop overhead doors. Not a big shop-40' square maybe.

Filter/Regulator: http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200625244_200625244

Plumbing kit:http://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200484023_200484023

Catch is so many are going with 3/8 or 1/2 lines and filters. I want to do this once so even if we replace the compressor the system will handle a slightly larger capacity.

What say you? 3/8", 1/2", or 3/4. Price is relatively same in the scheme of things.

Thanks!-Mike

 

[jallyn]

If you can afford the 3/4" then go for it. No one ever had too much air. Likely, though, all you need is 1/2" Filter/Regulator. Of course "it depends" what you plan to do with the air. Continuous spray-paint or media/sand-blasting needs more air than a typical user's needs.

 

[KB9MDQ]

If you can afford the 3/4" then go for it. No one ever had too much air. Likely, though, all you need is 1/2" Filter/Regulator. Of course "it depends" what you plan to do with the air. Continuous spray-paint or media/sand-blasting needs more air than a typical user's needs.

Yep! Never had a need to sandblast until this year, Haven't painted since I was a kid painting grain wagons on the farm. Installation is the time to plan for the unexpected.

I even considering a "T" with one line going through an oilier and the other line oil free so I am ready for paint. Just connect to the correct line. Have about 50 folding chairs for events that have needed fresh paint for several years. Just never gotten around to it.

 

[md21722]

This is a basic 3.x HP single stage compressor, about 10 CFM @ 90 PSI. By code that needs to be #10 NM-b (Romex) or #12 THHN (in conduit). Not sure how well it will do with sandblasting, but if you do the plumbing right it won't be a problem if you upgrade later. Not too many plumb hardline anything smaller than 1/2". A 3/4" loop with drops would be a great idea. Some people complain about Rapid Air and say they'd do copper or black iron if they had to do it again.

 

[KB9MDQ]

This is a basic 3.x HP single stage compressor, about 10 CFM @ 90 PSI. By code that needs to be #10 NM-b (Romex) or #12 THHN (in conduit). Not sure how well it will do with sandblasting, but if you do the plumbing right it won't be a problem if you upgrade later. Not too many plumb hardline anything smaller than 1/2". A 3/4" loop with drops would be a great idea. Some people complain about Rapid Air and say they'd do copper or black iron if they had to do it again.

Yep my mistake. Checked my notes and it was #10 MC or #12 THHN. I am running #10 MC from box up and over to the conduit running #12 THHN down to the quick disconnect. Reason is the metal conduit is a cleaner/secure run down the wall vs the MC. That and MC comes in 25' and 100' rolls and I only need almost 35' so it is cheaper to run 25' MC to 10' THHN vs. buying a 100' role of MC that will lay around.

 

[EOC_Jason]

I would go with 3/4", it's not that much of a cost difference and you gain future expansion without having to worry about flow & capacity. You would be amazed how much air even a short run of pipe will hold, it adds up...

 

[bczygan]

The nonprofit received this as a donation, so is this the nonprofits shop? If so, I I would put it in a cage to protect people from possible damage, and the shop from liability.