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Me and my compressor problems.

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oldtinsmith

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Me,,,, on May 15, 2018, I had a "Cerebral Hemorrhage". I knew who I was and who me wife was and pretty much nothing else! As of today,,, I've got about 90% to 95% of my brain back. My math and vocabulary are at about 70%. Please bare with me..... My compressor problems,,,,! I've owned my compressor for about 40 years. It is the Campbell-Hausfeld Power-Pro, 5H.P., 11.8CFM @ 40PSI - 9.4 CFM @ 90PSI,,,60 Gallon ASME Tank,,,230 Volts - 15 AMPS. It operates off of a 15 AMP 230 volt breaker in the breaker panel box, with wires running through 1/2" metal conduit to a receptacle box in the wall next to the compressor. This compressor has never caused me any grief in all these years but, like me (75 years old), it's getting old and needs to be retired. My plans are to install a 40AMP breaker in the breaker box, pull the old wires from the conduit a replace them with # 10 THHN from the breaker to a new junction box that will replace the old receptacle. Then run a #8 AWG romex from the junction box to disconnect, then to the compressor. ... I built my 1080 sq. ft. shop myself after I retired 20 years ago. I ran sewer pipe, water line, telephone, cable, and cad 5 lines, and natural gas pipe myself! Everything was inspected my supervisors from start to finish! These were all done before my Cerebral Hemorrhage. ... So, any pointers, suggestions, hints, etc. from you will be appreciated! Thanks!

Doug
 
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vwpieces

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While I DIY my own electrical I am not one to give advice to what is right or wrong because of New codes I may not be aware of. You might want to ad info on the compressor you bought, or are looking to buy, to replace the old. This would help with the electrical requirements.
But A HUGE congratulations on your recovery so far.
 
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oldtinsmith

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vwpieces said:
While I DIY my own electrical I am not one to give advice to what is right or wrong because of New codes I may not be aware of. You might want to ad info on the compressor you bought, or are looking to buy, to replace the old. This would help with the electrical requirements.
But A HUGE congratulations on your recovery so far.
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I haven't looked at any yet, but I will be soon!
 
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BillK

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Glad you are doing well !!! If your present compressor has served you well why does it need to be retired ?? If it has fatal issues why not just go back with one similar enough that you dont have to do any rewiring ?

My Curtis compressor at my business was there when I bought the business in 1987 and has been running every work day since. It has been through two moves and still does the job. If it finally fails I will replace it but not until then.
 
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sparky 1971

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Are you getting a new compressor? Relocating the old (or new) compressor? I am going to assume that you are getting a new compressor and it's going in the same place as the old. Why not put the disconnect where the receptacle is then just have a whip from disconnect to comressor? You can get a 6' pre made whip with #10 wire for about $12 at the box stores. If it's being moved, just set the juction box as planned, but run conduit from the box to new location.

It sounds as if you are planning on installing a new 5hp compressor. If so, I think you can go up to a 60 amp breaker using #10 wire, but the 40 will probably be ok. I would go straight for the 60 though.

I do agree with BillK. If it aint broke, don't fix it.

BTW, there is no way your current compressor is 5hp if its running on a 15 amp breaker. It's probably a 3hp.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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15a is too low for a 5HP compressor as said above.

Also, if its 5HP then standard NEMA plugs and receptacles are not kosher as theyre not rated for more than about 3HP...

If you want to install a circuit for a 5HP compressor you need 35a rated wire which would be #10 THWN or #8 NM-b
 
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Walkers

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Cave Creek Az
wyliesdiesels said:
15a is too low for a 5HP compressor as said above.

Also, if its 5HP then standard NEMA plugs and receptacles are not kosher as theyre not rated for more than about 3HP...

If you want to install a circuit for a 5HP compressor you need 35a rated wire which would be #10 THWN or #8 NM-b
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Just remember, that compressor was from an era where compressor manufacturers flagrantly overstated compressor horsepower. So to see a 5-7 horse compressor running on 15 amps was pretty common. They were using amps to show horsepower, but they were showing peak amps at the start up, so the crappier the motor, the higher the horsepower it must be making. The manufacturers got spanked, which is why you rarely see horsepower ratings any more.
So I would start at the motors rating plate, or use an amp clamp to get a better idea of the compressors real draw.
 
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oldtinsmith

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I'm so very happy to have all of the replies to my post!!! My original post took my about 1 hour to write. I've been afraid to post on any of my forums but decided maybe the more I write/talk the easier it will get?! ...The information I posted about my old compressor in my original all came off of the old compressor. The reason I want a new compressor is because the old girl is becoming quite noisy (shake, rattle and roll!!!) The kicker was when the belt pulley on the motor broke in two. The furnace and compressor are located in a small maintenance room and that's why I'm looking to replace my old compressor with a new one that will have physically the same "foot print" as the old one and hopefully more power (my old El Camino is crying out to be worked on).
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Walkers said:
Just remember, that compressor was from an era where compressor manufacturers flagrantly overstated compressor horsepower. So to see a 5-7 horse compressor running on 15 amps was pretty common. They were using amps to show horsepower, but they were showing peak amps at the start up, so the crappier the motor, the higher the horsepower it must be making. The manufacturers got spanked, which is why you rarely see horsepower ratings any more.
So I would start at the motors rating plate, or use an amp clamp to get a better idea of the compressors real draw.
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My point is, if the FLA is 15a then its not a 5HP motor. Labels on tanks mean nothing.
 
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oldtinsmith

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wyliesdiesels said:
My point is, if the FLA is 15a then its not a 5HP motor. Labels on tanks mean nothing.
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I don't see a motor plate on the motor itself, but a plate directly under the motor. Model number: VT558701, wired for 230 volts AC, Serial number; 08223H - 572627, 5 Horsepower- 230 volts-15 AMP ... The pressure switch ( Square D Pumptrol ) tag under the cover; 2 pole ratings,Volts 120 - FL 20 LR 120, Volts 240 - FL 15 LR 90. Use 60* / 75* CU only.
 
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sparky 1971

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This is the compressor I have, a re badged Sanborn. It's nothing special but would work with your existing wiring and get most jobs done. You might have to change the breaker though. Mine is running on a 30 amp with #12 wire. The performance will probably be about the same as what you have now. The Bay City Menards has four in stock. Like everything, the price has shot up. Mine is two years old and cost $499.

As far as your existing compressors claims. I don't know why they did that. I have a 30 gallon 120 volt Craftsman that I bought in 1998 that claims to be 5.5hp and a Rigid shop vac that says 5hp on the side, but neither one of them are actually 1/2 that.

 
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Norcal

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sparky 1971 said:
This is the compressor I have, a re badged Sanborn. It's nothing special but would work with your existing wiring and get most jobs done. You might have to change the breaker though. Mine is running on a 30 amp with #12 wire. The performance will probably be about the same as what you have now. The Bay City Menards has four in stock.

As far as your existing compressors claims. I don't know why they did that. I have a 30 gallon 120 volt Craftsman that I bought in 1998 that claims to be 5.5hp and a Rigid shop vac that says 5hp on the side.

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It was the same sort of deceit that Sears practiced, one of the reasons not very fond of them, but it a moot point as they fade away.
 
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mikedodge

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New compressor of similar size shouldn't need that big of a breaker. Get the New compressor first before making the changes. Size the breaker and wiring off the information on the motor plate.
 
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Citation

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I suspect your old compressor is fine with a bit of TLC. That's much easier that installing a new one.

A new belt is a given. Does it turn nicely? Can you share a picture? Perhaps a valve broke and needs to be swapped.

If you want a new compressor go for it but if you are doing this because you are certain you're old one is dead, heck no.

If your old pump is dead the Harbor Freight "3hp" pump is a good value. 10cfm and 145psi isn't crazy high but it's something like $140 and the coupons apply to it. I would look at that before a new compressor for $500 or more.
 
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oldtinsmith

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Citation said:
I suspect your old compressor is fine with a bit of TLC. That's much easier that installing a new one.

A new belt is a given. Does it turn nicely? Can you share a picture? Perhaps a valve broke and needs to be swapped.

If you want a new compressor go for it but if you are doing this because you are certain you're old one is dead, heck no.

If you're old pump is dead the Harbor Freight "3hp" pump is a good valve. 10cfm and 145psi isn't crazy high but it's something like $140 and the coupons apply to it. I would look at that before a new compressor for $500 or more.
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Well Citation, I've been looking for parts for some time now. My old (I'm guessing about 30 years old) girl is still running even after all these years! The plan is to u-bolt her from the floor and and give her a good look over. With her sitting in a corner, it's hard to to see all sides! I can tell you that after all these years, I have never had a "tripped" breaker, never had to replace the pressure switch, and it still has the original ribbed belt. I have no owners manual so I'll have to try to get this brain working so I can find maintenance parts.

Doug
 
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alfredeneuman

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oldtinsmith said:
My original post took my about 1 hour to write. I've been afraid to post on any of my forums but decided maybe the more I write/talk the easier it will get?!
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It's a natural reaction. When I first posted (on a different forum in 2000) I was aghast to see post actually in print for the whole World to see. It gets easier (now I'm a bigmouth)
 
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stickshift

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oldtinsmith said:
The plan is to u-bolt her from the floor and and give her a good look over.
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Definitely do that first before worrying about running new wires, replacing breakers, etc.

When you've got it out of the corner, post some pics. Lots of guys here are very familiar with compressors and will be able to suggest tips on getting your compressor running smoothly again.
 
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