Twist plug wiring

[ebamba]

I need to replace a standard 220V plug with a NEMA L6-20P on a newly acquired, second-hand, older model, Husky Pro, two stage, 80 gallon air compressor. I'm probably over thinking this, but does it matter which terminal on the plug I attatch the white and black wires to? one terminal is maked "X" and the other "Y". Obviously the ground (Green) wire goes to the the terminal marked G with a green dot painted next to it.

Also, any idea where I can get a copy of the User's Manual?

Thanks in advance,
Ed

 

[pattenp]

It doesn't matter.

 

[ebamba]

Thanks for the quick reply. That's what I thought, but doesn't hurt to ask.

 

[pattenp]

See if this manual will work for you.

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/pdfImages/79/79ed4260-c910-44ed-9237-9d253226481b.pdf

Also 20 amps may not be enough for that compressor. I think it takes 30A.


*

 

[ebamba]

Thanks for the link. It does state that a 30A Minimum Branch Circut is required. Strange because the label on the motor states the voltage of 230 and the amps of 16.5.

Your thoughts?

 

[pattenp]

That manual may not pertain exactly to the model you have. If the motor says 16.5A then you can get by with a 20A circuit. Technically 16A it suppose to be the max continuous load on a 20A circuit but I don't think .5A over is anything to worry about.

 

[ebamba]

Saves me from having to call on the Electrician who installed it. Thanks for your help.

 

[pattenp]

If you check your voltage you may find you have 240V or more so that would mean the motor will be actually pulling less than 16A.

 

[Aceman]

Cord ends don't have a very high HP rating, it's usually better to hardwire it.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Cord ends don't have a very high HP rating, it's usually better to hardwire it.

I was just gonna make a post about this topic...hardwire or plug...and products to use either way. My Puma compressor has a motor rating right around the OP's...want to say it was 16a as well (220v).

I am ready to install whatever I decide to use for a termination for my compressor...Up until now I was gonna use an L6-30R but I dont think they make an angled L6-30P...so rather then have that sticking out of the wall asking to get hit and mangled, I thought about a hardwire solution.

What do is the technical term for the "Junction box" with the big lockable shut off handle?

**Edit...looks like this is the ticket?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-60-Amp-240-Volt-Fusible-Indoor-General-Duty-Safety-Switch-TG3222/202978653

 

[Aceman]

What do is the technical term for the "Junction box" with the big lockable shut off handle?

**Edit...looks like this is the ticket?
http://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-60-Amp-240-Volt-Fusible-Indoor-General-Duty-Safety-Switch-TG3222/202978653

You want a nonfused disconnect, or safety switch.

If you size your breaker right, you don't need a fused disconnect, it's just more parts to buy and one more thing to go wrong.

Don't forget to buy a ground lug. Most disconnects don't have them unless you specifically ask for a neutral kit.

Also, verify the HP rating of the disconnect meets or exceeds your compressor HP.

 

[Steevo]

. . .

If you size your breaker right, you don't need a fused disconnect, it's just more parts to buy and one more thing to go wrong. . . .

.

Is it considered OK to use the breaker to turn power to the compressor on and off daily? I thought the disconnect was also meant to avoid using the breaker as an on/off switch?

 

[Spudland_Dave]

You want a nonfused disconnect, or safety switch.

If you size your breaker right, you don't need a fused disconnect, it's just more parts to buy and one more thing to go wrong.

Don't forget to buy a ground lug. Most disconnects don't have them unless you specifically ask for a neutral kit.

Also, verify the HP rating of the disconnect meets or exceeds your compressor HP.

So something like this:
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Square-D-by-Schneider-Electric-QO-60-Amp-Not-Fusible-AC-Disconnect-Switch-Does-Not-Provide-Overcurrent-Protection-QO200TRCP/202353314?N=arcd

I'll probably get it at the electrical supply house for the simple reason of prices are usually the same and service is 600x better...so I'll ask for the neutral/ground lug kit.

The compressor motor is similar to the OP's...Motor tag says something along the lines of 16A and came wired (from Pressure switch to motor) using 12GA. I'd like to wire this disconnect for future use so I got 8ga wire.