6 HP 60 Gallon Air Compressor
The sticker on the electric motor-
Volts- ~208-230
Amp-- 15
AMB-- 40
PH-- 1
Code-- J
How many amp circuit breaker do I use when I wire it? I have a 50 amp CB that I left with the air comp., is this the correct one?
2007-05-29 01:35:26 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
10/2 w-ground, if it matters.
2007-05-29 01:40:22 · update #1
My advice is to use a minimum 20 amp breaker because of start up amps and load amps. The best way to calculate the size of the circuit is to put an amp gage on the compressor and watch how much amps it pulls from an empty tank to full. Then you will know how to size your circuit.
The 50 amp breaker you mentioned will most likely be too big and it won't be able to protect your compressor from overload.
2007-05-29 01:50:08 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Considering the surge of an air compressor of that size, you would need to change the 50 AMP breaker you currently have to a 30 AMP breaker. If the wire that is in place was connected to the air compressor once before it should be sufficient to wire in. I would think 10/2 with a ground would be the best choice. Make sure you shut off the disconnect at the meter base before adding / replacing the circuit breaker. Your more experienced electricians may work on this while it is "hot", but I would not reccomend it with the novice electrician..
Goodluck!
2007-05-29 13:35:39 · answer #2 · answered by Buddy 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The 15 amp breaker should handle it at 208-230. It may trip under load, as the starting current of the motor could reach 30 amps. But breakers should handle the starting current. Make sure the wire will handle the current. For a run of less than 100 feet, at 30 amps, #10 awg or larger (the smaller the #, the larger the wire... so #6 is larger than #10) should be used. Make sure you check your local codes and the National Electrical Code.
budd above has a good solution.
2007-05-29 08:49:22 · answer #3 · answered by RB 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
10/2 is alittle heavy and the 50 amp breaker is too big.Change your breaker to a 20 and if you must use the 10/2 wire,install a disconnect with 20amp fuses at the motor
2007-05-29 08:49:55 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
looking at the stats of your compressor... a 15 to 20 amp breaker should be sufficiant!!! i'd go with the 20 amp
2007-05-29 08:39:31 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
20 amp breaker, 12/2g to 20 amp receptacle.
If that 10/2g is running to the 20a receptacle, you can still use a 20 amp breaker.
2007-05-29 08:46:45 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
With inrush current at start up you should use a 30amp breaker. The wire is already rated for this size of breaker.
2007-05-29 09:17:32 · answer #7 · answered by Crowdpleaser 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋