testing compresor

[Murph1945]

Last week I brought home a 20 year old Curtis compressor with a 5hp Baldor motor. I have not heard it run and it didn't come with a magnetic starter. I'm happy to buy a starter but want to make sure the motor runs and the compressor pumps before shelling out any more dollars. It came from a body shop that I deliver parts to and the owner said it was running fine before he bought a bigger unit.... but it has been sitting for about three months.

What is the worst thing that can happen if I bypass the pressure switch and send 220 directly to the motor from the welding circuit on my panel with a jumper of 10/3 wire. The motor is a Baldor L1410T, 5hp, 230 volts, 23 amps.

If everything works I'll buy the magnetic starter and install proper wiring.

 

[The Cobbler]

you will be fine to test it but just don't let it overpressure because you have bypassed the pressure switch

 

[wyliesdiesels]

should be fine for testing.

IF it does work and you wire it up you will need 35a rated wire- #10 THWN in pipe or #8/2 NM-b aka Romex.

It will need to be hardwired(no plugs/outlets).

A disconnect is required if not within site of and further than 50' of the breaker panel.

A starter is a good idea

 

[dogdog]

take off the belt and run the motor first make sure motor works?

 

[Murph1945]

It worked...Jumper to panel, bypass pressure switch and BAM. Pumped just fine and I'll soon know it the tank held pressure overnight. (When I go out to the barn on the way to work)

Maybe it's overkill but it should last as long as me. Pictures when project is complete.

 

[driftpin]

OK, how much $? CFM rating?

 

[Murph1945]

$150 for the unit. 18 CFM. Still have to buy a magnetic start switch. Has anyone had experience with the cheap ones from China. Domestic models cost twice as much.

 

[Norcal]

$150 for the unit. 18 CFM. Still have to buy a magnetic start switch. Has anyone had experience with the cheap ones from China. Domestic models cost twice as much.

You get what you pay for.

 

[nadogail]

For motor control I recommend;
Try Automation Direct formerly known as PLC Direct.

 

[matt_i]

Another thought. Go on Ebay and find either IEC motor starters or the proper NEMA size contactor. You just need to match up the coil voltage which is likely 240vac. Especially with the NEMA contactor it is built for a couple of lifetimes of use. I don't hesitate to buy good-used.