New air compressor

[Plumcrazy]

Greetings,
As the title implies, I have just taken delivery of a new air compressor. It's a Quincy, model QT-54 (5hp, 2 stage, 220v). I've never installed a compressor so I have a couple of questions.

When I renovated my workshop I installed a 50A 220v feed where I figured the eventual compressor would go. Do I have to hard wire the unit or can I make or even buy a properly sized cord and wall receptacle? I would prefer a plug for no other reason other than I prefer plug ins.

Second question is the air line size. I am planning to hard line the workshop. I'll have 3 drops with the longest run being maybe 45'. This run will eventually be primarily used for a blast cabinet. I'm thinking I really need to stay with 1/2" piping but I don't know?

Third question is filtering. I bought a Milton 1/2" pressure regulator and filter unit. The unit states the air should be filtered before it gets to the regulator. Does anybody do this? Maybe I should buy another 1/2" filter, attach it directly to the compressor outlet. From there into a whip hose to the regulator/ filter combo unit. Seems redundant to me so I thought I'd ask.

Thanks
Craig

 

[Jake40]

When you pipe off the compressor keep the line as large as possible to keep volume up. When you get to your drop location then reduce to 1/2".

 

[md21722]

Wiring motor circuits is different than wiring other loads. For motors, its mostly the HP that matters. Wire should be #10 THHN in conduit or #8 NM-b (Romex). Since you already have a 50A drop you are good there. However, very few plugs are rated for 5 HP. They are usually the pin and sleeve type and very expensive. This unit should be hard wired, with a disconnect if panel is out of sight or more than 50' away.

Folks often run 1/2" or 3/4" air systems.

At the compressor you put a ball valve and then hook up to your hard line air system. Put the filter & regulator combos at each drop. Yes, the filter comes before the regulator.

It is more convenient to be able to adjust the pressures at point of use, and having system pressure up until the point of use decrease the pressure drop.

Use ball valves to isolate parts of the system for repair or maintenance, for example, before each point of use.