wiring and other ?? for compressor

[kerwinq]

I am going to be running wire for the compressor this weekend, this will be for 220v so will be on a separate breaker. I was told that 10/2 wire would be big enough but wanted to get some additional input.
The compressor is a Craftsman 7hp 60 gal, the motor has 15A sticker on it, what size breaker would be the best, a 20 amp is what I was thinking about going with.

What does everyone think of the air regulators that HF sells? I would like to put one in but not sure what would be the best.

Thanks for any input/advice you can give

Kerwin

 

[Elroy]

7 HP and 15Amp don't mix

If the FLA on the motor is 15 AMP at 220 volt you're looking at more like a 3 HP motor. 12 gauge would cover 15 AMP fine. 10 Gauge will help with reduced voltage drop and inrush current on start up.

12 gauge on a 20 amp breaker is fine. It sounds like your're looking at SO cord. Don't forget the ground.

 

[kerwinq]

It actually says 240 volts

 

[krehmkej]

A suggestion. If your compressor is in a location in which midnight startups may cause familial distress, consider putting a timer in the circuit. I used an Intermatic unit made for 220/240V. It allows me to set times that the circuit will be off, regardless of the position of the compressor switch.

 

[vc-onthepc]

imo... the motor on that compressor may not be the original one . i used to have a devilbliss compressor which had the 15 amp 3.5 hp motor on it .. better check in to it maybe the motor has a hp tag on it ? i dont know the watts to amps calculation but ive seen it mentioned here before . that might help you figure the hp on the motor . id suggest the 10 g or even 8 g wiring ...2 reasons one better to build in upgrades now then to have to do it later if this compressor fails to do what you want . and second batter safe then sorry .

make sure you get the correct plug as well as your dryer cord may not be able to handle the motors amperage . while at the hardware store look at the plugs and ends youll find different amp loads require different plugs .

id also suggest locating a head gasket set and reed valve now while its working .. in 10 years ive blown 2 on that compressor and always keep a set on hand they break at the most unoprotune time you can think .. you know when you need it .

also id add an hourmeter to monitor the maintanance schedule on the compressor . can get check off ebay for less the 10 bucks just keep looking be sure it is 110 volts

do an oil change and possibly inlet filter change

look for regulator with at least 1/2 inlet / outlet the hf will work but make sure you get 1/2 npt.the cheaper ones there are 1.4 inch ... which *****

look for rubber hose not poly or plastic too stiff when cold

look for hockey pucks to sit compressor on to minimize vibration . youll need 3

in future get spare belt again it will break at the worst time

if your tank drain in bottom of tank is a petcock i reccomend plumbing it with a 90degree elbow and moving to just outside the tank . i always hated reaching under that compressor im scared of spider and such lmao

also if you mount regulator on the wall be sure to isolate it from the compressor with a flexable line instead of hard plumbing . keeps it from cracking from vibration .

ok thats all i got vc on the pc

 

[Chris Adams]

I am going to be running wire for the compressor this weekend, this will be for 220v so will be on a separate breaker. I was told that 10/2 wire would be big enough but wanted to get some additional input.
The compressor is a Craftsman 7hp 60 gal, the motor has 15A sticker on it, what size breaker would be the best, a 20 amp is what I was thinking about going with.

What does everyone think of the air regulators that HF sells? I would like to put one in but not sure what would be the best.

Thanks for any input/advice you can give

Kerwin

On the wire, how long is the run? I use 8-2 but then I have a thirty five foot run. Shorter you need less. If you are just putting in a cord, say six feet or ten feet then 10-2 is great.
10-2 has three wires, for those that don’t know. 10-3 has 4 wires. They don’t count the ground wire in the second number.
Depending on your 220 (240 is the same thing, like calling house line voltage either 110 or 120 depending on what you read) plug you may need the fourth wire.

The top of the line regulator with separator from HF is OK, but test it carefully. Had a leak on my first one.
They don’t sell the replacement filters for it though.

 

[nate379]

Yeah 15 amp draw is a 3hp motor. 7hp would draw ~35 amps.

"Rule of thumb" I use ( by = I mean no more than)

14 gauge = 15 amps
12 gauge = 20 amps
10 gauge = 30 amps
8 gauge = 40 amps
6 gauge = 55 amps

If it's a short run I'd run 12 gauge and if it's fairly long (30-40ft) I'd run 10 gauge. There are calculators on the web that will tell you what to use as well.