Hi. I was looking at purchasing a used p+c 3 hp 2 gallon stack air compressor. I wanted to use it to run an impact every now and then, a framing nailer etc. I had read reviews and some said it was tripping their 15 amp breaker under load and it needed 20 amps. I was just wondering if this was a common thing among these and if there was a way to fix the problem and get it to run on 15 amp.
Porter cable cpf23400s tripping breaker
- Thread starter NCMODELA
- Start date
TNToy
Well-known member
If it does indeed draw right at 15 amps (requiring a larger breaker) then there really isn't much you can do about it. They're simple devices - the motor supplied with the compressor is 100% of your load.
I have a 60gal in the corner garage and a small pancake for mobile use, or use as a travel / air storage tank. Best of both worlds. The pancake I picked up at a pawn shop for $45. Keep an eye open for something like that instead?
I have a 60gal in the corner garage and a small pancake for mobile use, or use as a travel / air storage tank. Best of both worlds. The pancake I picked up at a pawn shop for $45. Keep an eye open for something like that instead?
goodysgotacuda
Well-known member
Perhaps a weak breakers? I ran a much heavier hitting Porter-Cable C3151 Job Boss 4.5gal on a 15a circuit.
I had a circuit where it kept tripping unnecessarily using that compressor. I swapped it with another known-working breaker, of equivalent amperage, and my problem went away. So I replaced the, what I considered, "weak" breaker. But I'm no electrician.
I had a circuit where it kept tripping unnecessarily using that compressor. I swapped it with another known-working breaker, of equivalent amperage, and my problem went away. So I replaced the, what I considered, "weak" breaker. But I'm no electrician.
toolaholic
Well-known member
My oil lubed PC 4.1 gallon 150 psi tripped the breaker in winter when garage is cold. I switched to synthetic oil. Problem solved.
kunkernator
Well-known member
In my case, it was easy for me to upgrade the breaker. I ran 12 gauge wire, and slapped a 20 amp breaker in. Depends on how hard it would be to run it. Check the current wire and see what gauge it is.
Thank you. I have a massive 60 gal 3 cyl compressor in garage for automotive work. I was looking for a portable compressor to do flooring work framing workand run an impact. I was under the impression that those small pancakes couldnt hold up for long. I found this porter that puts out 5.3 cfm at 90 for 90 dollars. I just don't want it tripping breakers everywhere I go.