New to me compressor: questions

[Scott]

I finally got a compressor, just picked up this one tonight off craigslist for $160:
10cfm @90psi, 20 gallon
oil lubed, 220v, 5hp (probably overrated, motor says 13amps)

Question 1:
How do I know how much oil to add? It has a drain plug and fill plug, do I just fill it till it starts coming up the fill plug (this is what I did). I don't have to tilt it or anything to add more do I?

Question 2: I prewired my garage with a 30amp 220v compressor circuit, but the compressor has a 20 amp plug on it with 14 gauge stranded wire. I bought a 30/50amp dryer plug and outlet from lowes and fired it up. The problem is the 30amp plug does not really clamp down on the 14 gauge wire hard enough. Should I get a different plug/outlet setup (generator style, 20 or 30amps) or get a cord for the compressor with a larger gauge wire to go in the plug?

 

[l_bilyk]

That doesn't look like the right type of plug
I could be wrong, but that's a 3-pole
You need a 2 pole + ground.. like a #6-20
I think.. not sure

 

[Scott]

I see what you mean, I was curious about the instructions talking about neutral. I wired the ground on the neutral prong of the outlet and plug. I am open to suggestions, the stuff I bought was cheap, I will get whatever is right. Not sure if the 14 gauge on the compressor is going to fit in to any 30amp type plug.
Thanks, Scott

 

[wilbilt]

That compressor should be running on a 20A circuit. The 14AWG cord would most likely go up in flames before the 30A breaker ever trips.

Plugs and receptacles will state on the package the wire sizes they are designed for. Those will most likely accept 10AWG to 6AWG wire.

 

[MAD]

Change your wall outlet and the circuit breaker to 20 amps to match the compressor.

 

[Scott]

I need to downgrade the circuit? The compressor has a breaker on the motor.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

The "breaker" on the motor is a THERMAL OVERLOAD and does not protect anything from any kind of electrical overload or short except the motor in case it gets too hot.

Your cord could get pinched and smoking and the motor would be merrily running and the 30 amp breaker probably would not trip.

The 30 amp breaker is a bad idea with the 14 gauge cord on the compressor. Install a 20 amp breaker and a 20 amp rated receptacle and plug on the cord and you will be alot safer.

Charles

 

[Scott]

Alright, you guys convinced me. Any particular 20amp plug and outlet I should get? 12 gauge cord on the compressor?
Thanks, Scott

 

[TNToy]

If your in-wall wiring is correctly sized for 30A load (which usually means 10gauge minimum), then you can upgrade the cord on the compressor to 10gauge and be just fine.

If your in-wall wiring is not at least 10 gauge, you have to step down to a 20A breaker to be properly protected from fire.

 

[MAD]

Alright, you guys convinced me. Any particular 20amp plug and outlet I should get? 12 gauge cord on the compressor?
Thanks, Scott

You need a NEMA 6-20P plug and 6-20R receptacle or a L6-20P plug and L6-20R receptacle if you prefer Twist-lock. If the #14 pig tail is the factory installed one
it should be fine. If you decide to put a longer cord on or make an extension for it I would use 12/3 SO cord or 12/3 SJO cord if the strain relief bushing on the compressor looks too small for the thicker SO cord. (SO cord has a thicker rubber jacket-same wire inside as SJO cord)

 

[darkharts]

To hit your other question- its a devilbliss unit- I just got it's bigger brother a month ago.

You can check out here-
http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/ServiceNet/new.asp

Register and then if you have to be very patient- the web site is horriable to navigate, but with time you can get to a manual and an exploded parts diagram. Mine just needed a head gasket but i replaced the valves and filter to for like $50 bucks. The oil level is just to the top of the plug. If i remember your supposed to change it every 40 hours or something. Make sure to drain it like crazy- mine almost makes as much water as air it seems- but with a new filter and valves+gasket it runs pretty quiet. Yours looks to be in excelent shape-

Good luck, danny

 

[Scott]

It is 10 gauge in the wall. So if I up the size of the compressor cord to 10/3 SO I will be alright? 10/3 may be too large a diameter, I will check it out and decide between downsizing to 20amp or sticking with 30amp.

Thanks again guys. Scott

 

[Scott]

To hit your other question- its a devilbliss unit- I just got it's bigger brother a month ago.

You can check out here-
http://www.dewaltservicenet.com/ServiceNet/new.asp

Register and then if you have to be very patient- the web site is horriable to navigate, but with time you can get to a manual and an exploded parts diagram. Mine just needed a head gasket but i replaced the valves and filter to for like $50 bucks. The oil level is just to the top of the plug. If i remember your supposed to change it every 40 hours or something. Make sure to drain it like crazy- mine almost makes as much water as air it seems- but with a new filter and valves+gasket it runs pretty quiet. Yours looks to be in excelent shape-

Good luck, danny

Hmm, can't get that site to work......

 

[Scott]

Alright, got it wired right I think. I made a new 10ft 12/3 SO for it, got a standard 20amp plug and socket (#6-20 I think), changed the breaker in the panel to a 20amp. I also tracked down a manual for it on the dewalt site (thanks darkharts).

I ordered up an Aircat mini 1/2" and now I just need to buy a 50ft retractable reel and a bunch of other bit and pieces to mount up my filter and install a couple of outlets on the bench.

Thanks for setting me right guys!

 

[Scott]

Also there is a small air leak when the compressor is running, it is coming out of the main outlet swage fitting near the head. Do I need to replace the whole tube that runs to the tank, or can these fittings be replaced? I tried to tighten it, no dice.