running two compressors on one outlet

[JorWood]

I work off of an air compressor I carry in my truck and the CFMs are not quite enough. I'm often waiting on my tank. I have been thinking of stepping up to a gas powered compressor however I am considering the idea of running two 2 hp 120 volt compressors alongside each other with the two airlines running into a T valve to double the CFM. My concern is that plugging both compressors into one outlet will just pop the circuit. However I don't know jack about electrical. Has anyone tried this? To be clear I mean to say that I'll be running two power lines into to plugs on the same outlet. Would it be any different if I used to separate outlets on the same breaker?

Thanks

Jordan

 

[Bighead38]

I think you'll be much better off upgrading to 1 proper compressor instead of what your asking.

 

[AA/FC]

Running 2 compressors on the same 120 volt circuit (regardless if its the same outlet) will pop the breaker. You will need a separate circuit for each compressor.

1hp = 746 watts X 4hp (2 compressors, 2hp each) = 2984 total watts / 120volts = 24.8 amps. Your standard outlet is on a 20 amp breaker, at best. This is just simple quick figures, there may be a few other variables but the answer is still the same. No, it wont work. Sorry.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I saw a video where a guy actually bought 3 cheap HF compressors and plugged them into 3 different outlet on 3 different electric circuits. He had to come up with some weird Ruby Goldberg method that effectively used 1 pressure switch to start them all, BUT he added a 10 second delay for starting the second one and another 10 second delay to start the third one.

 

[SantaAna12]

Yes, the start-up load would be your first obstacle. And yes, total load would be your next. Not only in breaker size, but wiring gauge and switch rating etc.
A capacitor fired larger single unit?

 

[JorWood]

Alright that is what I assumed. Thanks guys!

 

[JohnDeere1]

Just plumb in a separate tank to double air supply like the tanks you fill to carry air for tires, there's videos on YouTube about this one is by RealToolReviews it's the smartest and heapest thing to do, it just gives more air capacity.

 

[larry_g]

For years I ran multiple small compressors to get the air I needed. Each needs it's own circuit. There is no need to use one pressure switch and no need to have them all start and stop at the same time. If one compressor kicks on and keeps up with the air your using then it does the work. If your drawing enough air that #1 can't keep up pressure will drop till #2 compressor kicks on.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[The Cobbler]

For years I ran multiple small compressors to get the air I needed. Each needs it's own circuit. There is no need to use one pressure switch and no need to have them all start and stop at the same time. If one compressor kicks on and keeps up with the air your using then it does the work. If your drawing enough air that #1 can't keep up pressure will drop till #2 compressor kicks on.

lg
no neat sig line

this
keep it simple
only thing is most regulators have a"relieve" feature where if the pressure on the regulated side is higher than the set point it will relieve the pressure , so you have to set all the regs at very close pressures, or plumb it in a way that you only use 1 of the regs

 

[ovrrdrive]

Or you could fine an old York AC compressor and rig it up under the hood... Lot's of info on these on the 4x4 forums. Then when you need more air crank up the truck and slip on the belt.

 

[Bellaireroad]

Just plumb in a separate tank to double air supply like the tanks you fill to carry air for tires, there's videos on YouTube about this one is by RealToolReviews it's the smartest and heapest thing to do, it just gives more air capacity.

This is what I was thinking too


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