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Portable air compressor Q

Discussion in 'Other Off Topic Forum' started by BigAl, Dec 12, 2005.

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  1. BigAl

    BigAl F1 Veteran

    Mar 17, 2002
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    TX
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    GSgt Hartman
    #1 BigAl, Dec 12, 2005
    My buddy told me I shouldn't run my portable air compressor with an extension cord as it would burn up the motor, I should plug it directly into an outlet. I used an industrial grade, thick extension cord. Is he right, should I not use an extension cord?
     
  2. quartermaster

    quartermaster Formula 3

    Sep 11, 2005
    1,826
    #2 quartermaster, Dec 12, 2005
    Gunny,
    Your friend is somewhat correct.
    In 'layman's' terms, the further electricity has to travel through wire, the greater the voltage drop. You can compensate a bit by using large diameter extension cords (12, or even 10 ga. wire) I'll give some examples, but first suggest that you make sure the outlet you are plugging into is 3 prong, 20 amp (check your breaker panel), and, if you are taking the compressor out where there may be water, try and use a gfi protected circuit. Also, the outlet you choose wants to be as close as possible to the breaker panel.
    I've run 2 and 3 horse compressors on 100' 10ga. extensions successfully, but always on 20 amp outlets installed within a couple of feet of the panel.
    I've run the 2 horse on 25' 12 guage extensions plugged into outlets some distance from the panel also, but I pay attention to the motor and if it begins to be reluctant to start, shut it off.
    I suppose the obvious solution is to simply by more air hose. Then you can keep the compressor plugged directly into the outlet and take the air where ever you need it.
    Electrical joke: Electric motors are filled with smoke. If you let the smoke escape, you've ruined the motor.
    Keith
     
  3. BigAl

    BigAl F1 Veteran

    Mar 17, 2002
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    #3 BigAl, Dec 12, 2005
    Not sure of the ext cord number but its as big around as a finger, got it from an on-site movie crew that used it for lighting and it is three prong.
    I was planning to get a 50' hose and leave the compressor where it is next to an outlet.
    I'll check the other info you provided, thnx for the great info Keith!
     
  4. PeterS

    PeterS Five Time F1 World Champ
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    Jan 24, 2003
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    #4 PeterS, Dec 12, 2005
    I have most often used a 30' retracting extention cord for my 5HP Sears for the past 5 years. No problems to date.
     
  5. Jerrari

    Jerrari F1 Veteran

    Jul 24, 2001
    5,469
    Michigan
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    Jerry Wiersma
    #5 Jerrari, Dec 12, 2005
    Keith is correct. We service air compressors here at my shop and you will definitely shorten the life of the motor if you run it on a small gauge extension cord, or even plug it in to an outlet located a long ways from the breaker box. The more amperage that the unit draws (i.e. the higher the h.p. of the motor, maintaining the same 120 volts), the more pronounced the effect of low voltage. Higher amperage=higher heat=lower motor life. FYI: Raising the temperature of a motor by just 14 degrees will cut it's life in half.
     

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