Small garage air compressor question.

[Jeff T]

Good Morning & Happy New Year!

Several years ago I had a neighbor move away and he left me a small Craftsman air compressor. I use it for adding air to tires and basically nothing else.

Problem, half the time I use it, it trips the circuit breaker...

We recently moved into a new home and the compressor trips the circuit breaker here as well.

So my questions. How many amps is this thing pulling to trip breakers?? Are there other units that would be better suited for my needs and pull a few less amps??

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[Jbullfrog]

I'm guessing it's time to upgrade your garage outlets. What else is on the breaker with the outlet you are trying to use? What size is the compressor? There should be a tag on it or the motor with what amperage it requires. Pictures are helpful.

 

[Jeff T]

I loaded pics in the first post... Hmmm.

 

[henrysgarage]

Looks like it draws 15A. Is that the starting amps or the running amps? You should have designated 20A circuit to run that. good day

 

[sberry]

That is run. It probably draws 75 at start. They barely start on a 20A when they are new, when they get a little older they get fussy. They absolutely need to be on 20A. Sometimes it's easier to replace the start cap, clean any unloader, take belt off and make sure motor spins free.
If they are close to a panel itcauses trips too, throw an extension cord on it and see if it helps.

 

[The Cobbler]

those pumps/motors draw a lot on start up.
It starts fine when the tank is empty, just trips breaker when restarting?

 

[Jeff T]

those pumps/motors draw a lot on start up.
It starts fine when the tank is empty, just trips breaker when restarting?

That would be correct. Starts fine, then just struggles on the restart.

 

[The Cobbler]

check the capacitors, what I did with mine was to add a cold start unloader valve, what it does is relieve pressure until about 15psi builds up , then it closes, it gives the motor time to get up to speed before it meets head pressure of the pump. you could also enlarge the volume of the tube from the pump to the tank
I have a thread here on the cold start set up. looking for it now & will post

 

[The Cobbler]

read here https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196633&highlight=cold+start

 

[johnyg]

dont use extension cords.

 

[sberry]

The use of a Cord may slow the inrush. This is different than using too long of a cord in a situation where it is starving for power. Lots of these work on longer circuits, very close to the panel with large wire allows so much current so fast they trip.

 

[Ben Buck]

As Jonyg stated, do not use extension cords.

Take the air to the work area- longer air line, not the compressor to the work area.

Use a dedicated circuit for it.

just my two cents

 

[Jeff T]

OK, I ordered the cold start valve. Assuming install will be just before the quick disconnect connection for the hose?

 

[The Cobbler]

no, you tie it in to the line from the compressor pump to the check valve

 

[Jeff T]

Here?

 

[The Cobbler]

you will have to take the shroud off. have a look at this schematic https://www.ereplacementparts.com/c...-compressor-parts-c-158286_158287_159033.html install it somewhere along the line (part number 36) probably easiest to install it where part #36 connects to the check valve #31 . you could also tie it in to the unloader circuit part #19

 

[lakelandcat]

my 30gl trips when I use a 100' 16ga but I'm ok if I use a 25' 12ga. Case in point size matters. (I know, that just sounds wrong in so many ways!)

 

[Jeff T]

Got it!! Thanks for the help Cobbler!!

 

[The Cobbler]

NP!