Quincy QT-5 Setup Suggestions

[Coursey]

I am getting ready to buy a Quincy QT-5 compressor.

I want to make sure i setup the system correctly.

I have a welder plug near the compressor (8' away) that is on a 60 amp breaker. Can you use a plug on the compressor or does it have to be hard wired to the panel?

Also, what regulator/dryer setup do you all suggest?

I plan to just mount a hose real buy the unit. I am not planning to pipe the whole garage at this time.

 

[Art From De Leon]

I used a plug on a 40 amp circuit, just as I used a plug on my welder.

However, both did have a switch handle on the box, which made a habit of using instead of the on/off switch on the machine itself.

 

[cvairwerks]

If you are subject to codes, check them first. Where I am, anything with a mag starter has to be hard wired.

 

[md21722]

Code requirements are (a) compressor needs to be wired with #10 THHN (in conduit) or #8 NM-b (Romex), (b) disconnect rated for 5HP by the compressor is required if the breaker is more than 50 feet away or out of sight, and (c) no plugs allowed - standard NEMA ones we'd use for 240V single phase aren't rated for more than 3HP. Of course lots of people hook them up to a 10/2 or 10/3 Romex and use a drier cord and outlet and it works, but its not code.

 

[Coursey]

I am going to have it wired direct.


what regulator/dryer setup do you all suggest? I am not finding much about this.

 

[md21722]

If the wire size for the welder is already appropriate for the compressor, you may simply substitute a 4 space sub panel with 2 double pole breakers in it. You can get these for like $40 including the breakers.

When it comes to drier what exactly to you mean? A dedicated electrical unit that dries the air? Or something like a desiccant drier? Or just a coalescing air filter?

If the compressor is going to run for a while, like sanding, etc. then the air is going to get hot and wet and if you put the filter/regulator right at the tank the hot wet air will be going straight through it, cool in your reel hose, and you get water out of your tools. If you are only doing light duty work, then this may not be a problem. Adding an after cooler at the compressor will help significantly. This may be an option on the QT-5.

Parker, Wilkerson, Milton, and many others are good brands to look at. I prefer ones with metal bowls and float drains myself. The problem with float drains is that they can clog with debris from time to time and cause air leaks out the drain. The problem with end of day drains is that you have to get them down to zero before they will drain anything.