New compressor outlet

[jumpstart]

I'm looking to install a compressor outlet in my detached garage.

Does the compressor outlet need to be GFCI protected? All the 15amp and 20 amp are, but not sure if required on a 220v/30amp.

 

[pattenp]

240V outlets are not required to be GFCI protected. As a side note, compressors with motors larger than 3HP need to be hardwired, no plug and outlet.

 

[jumpstart]

240V outlets are not required to be GFCI protected. As a side note, compressors with motors larger than 3HP need to be hardwired, no plug and outlet.

Thanks. The compressor motor is a single phase 1.5 hp. It has a 3 prong, twist lock plug on the cord. I believe this is the required receptacle.
https://m.lowes.com/pd/Legrand-Turnlok-Black-30-Amp-Round-Outlet-Commercial/3537728
What cable should I use from circuit breaker to the receptacle?

 

[sberry]

You need a 10 cable to a 30 recept. If it was hard wired may require less.

 

[alfredeneuman]

As a side note, compressors with motors larger than 3HP need to be hardwired, no plug and outlet.

Leviton 9460 https://www.leviton.com/en/products/9460

 

[pattenp]

Leviton 9460 https://www.leviton.com/en/products/9460

Well.. touché. I should have been more precise.

 

[pattenp]

You need a 10 cable to a 30 recept. If it was hard wired may require less.

If it's a single receptacle on an individual circuit its amp rating is not to be less than the circuit. Nothing says the receptacle can't have a higher amp rating than the circuit. NEC 210.21(B)(1)

 

[jumpstart]

Maybe I should back up a bit. My original question of GFCI or not is cleared up.

This is an old Wayne compressor that I don't know the history on. It has a long cord with a plug on the end rated for 250v/20amp. I thought it was 30amp. I'll get my eyes checked soon.

Now that I've looked at the motor plate, I'm not sure if the 20amp plug is what I really need, or if it should be changed to a higher amp rating. Here's the plate -
View media item 91073
Again it will be wired for 220v.

 

[alfredeneuman]

My original question of GFCI or not is cleared up.

Read PattenP's post #2. The very first thing he did was answer that.

 

[jumpstart]

Read PattenP's post #2. The very first thing he did was answer that.

Correct. And what you quoted from me says exactly that.

 

[sberry]

If it's a single receptacle on an individual circuit its amp rating is not to be less than the circuit. Nothing says the receptacle can't have a higher amp rating than the circuit. NEC 210.21(B)(1)

I guess what I might have meant to say is a 30 recept and a 30 breaker it needs 10 wire. If it was hard wired the wire might be smaller than the breaker.

 

[pattenp]

20A circuit using 20A outlet for that motor wired for 240V is fine.

 

[jumpstart]

20A circuit using 20A outlet for that motor wired for 240V is fine.

Thanks for the help

 

[PT Doc]

Leviton 9460 https://www.leviton.com/en/products/9460

Why the 4 wire receptacle? Seems like just 2 hots and a ground is sufficient. Unless an dryer will end up there.

 

[mike93lx]

Why the 4 wire receptacle? Seems like just 2 hots and a ground is sufficient. Unless an dryer will end up there.

the receptacle linked is 125/250V, requiring 4 wires. I think the point of posting it is that there are receptacles rated at higher than 3HP, not as a suggestion to the OP.

 

[alfredeneuman]

Yes, it's why I posted it, not as a suggestion for the OP.
A blanket rule by some at GJ that "any compressor over 3HP must be hardwired" is bad advice in my opinion.
Even higher HP receptacles are available with pin & sleeve designs, but cost mega $$, and would economically counterproductive.

 

[pattenp]

Yes, it's why I posted it, not as a suggestion for the OP.
A blanket rule by some at GJ that "any compressor over 3HP must be hardwired" is bad advice in my opinion.
Even higher HP receptacles are available with pin & sleeve designs, but cost mega $$, and would economically counterproductive.

I can't say it's bad advise, it's more of suggested economical advice. Pin & Sleeve has been noted many times before as an option. We just need to set our HP higher than 3.5 for suggesting hardwiring.

 

[alfredeneuman]

I'd suggest using "should be" instead of "need to be" in the future, and say it's your opinion.

 

[pattenp]

I'd suggest using "should be" instead of "need to be" in the future, and say it's your opinion.

Agreed... just habit when aimlessly typing along.