[MV] Air Compressor Q #3

From: Paul A. Thomas (bluewhale@jaxkneppers.com)
Date: Sat Jan 10 2004 - 18:38:40 PST


Hi Guys, it's me again.

I should be having my electrical service updated to allow me to put a large
air compressor in the garage soon ( btw, a question came up about the surge
when the compressor starts in the last thread here about this. The
electrician who came out here today ( thanks Bruce! ) indicates the surge
should not be a problem because
    1: the compressors have a capacitor which sucks in power to help turn
the motor on, thus lowering the
         amount of power needed to start the motor when it actually starts
    2: I need to make sure the circuit breaker has a slow <something>
circuit/fuse.. I've seen reference to it
         here in the past month. It takes a little longer to pop open than
a standard unit. )

I just went back on line and started searching for a compressor again. The
last time I asked a number of listers suggested brands they like, but no
one said ' avoid X brand '.

1: Is it fairly safe to assume ( there's that word again ) most brands are
roughly equivalent in this size?
2: I'm going to buy something in the 8-15 HP range. In looking at them at
Harbor Freight I find the vast
      majority come with 30 gallon tanks! Why would stronger units use a
smaller air tank? Wouldn't
      that cause them to run more and thus wear out sooner than if they
came with an 80 or 120 gallon tank?

As Always, thank you for your insight.

        Paul
        MPVA@ 24986
        '53 REO M35 Fire Conversion
        '53 AEC Chevy 3/4 Ton
        www.paulathomas.com/images



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