The Last Compressor Wiring Questions

[roofster]

Probably not, but there is a ton of advice on here. Picked up a used compressor and now need to run electric to it from the breaker panel. I plan to use 8ga THHN for it's 5 hp Baldor motor (23 FLA). Overall, I’ll probably need 40’ to 50’ of each wire.

Should I run a ground wire or rely on the EMT?

If I run a ground, should I use 10ga for that?

Found a link to a fill chart and per that, 1/2” is ok for 2 8 ga conductors, but I’m wondering if I should just use 3/4” to make life easier. I have always used NM-B on previous projects so EMT will a bit new to me.

For pictures see post 1794 in the Show off your compressor. Link: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=4901&page=90

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Personally, I prefer the ground wire, and yes, 10 gauge is correct to go with #8 conductors. I feel it is too easy for conduit to become loose at joints (esp if set screw connectors are used). Others will argue it is a waste as it is not required by the code (which is a minimum specification, you may, in most cases, do better than code if you wish).

I have pulled ground wires in all of my EMT.

Edit: here is the direct link to YOUR post.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3588319&postcount=1794

You get it by putting the cursor on the post number in the upper RH corner of the post and right clicking and selecting "Copy link".

Charles

 

[roofster]

Charles, thanks for tip, learned something today. I have had one EMT connection come loose and lose the ground to a duplex. Fixed it, and now I check them once and a while. Think I'll just add the 10 ga ground for piece of mind.

 

[G_P]

Much better to add the ground wire.

 

[Highbeam]

On the size, I would be using 1". No real benefit in trying to use the smallest possible conduit size.