Topic: Compressor wire ?

[78 k550]

Hey All,
Well everyone that knows me know's I don't throw much away.
So I have had this old compressor sitting outside in the open. Well our other compressor died at work. same style. well old one at house is 2hp 25 gal. one at shop 1 hp and 15 gal tank. smaller tank just hole in it. biger tank and motor can be wired for 220.
so here is my ?
original wire going to the 2 hp motor to the switch is 14/3. I got 12/3 at ace and was wondering should I wire the motor to the switch with 12/3 or just rewire the 14/3 outlet wire plug with the 220 plug.
motor reads 15 amps 110, 7 amps 220.

Paul

[TwoTired]

12/3 will handle more current without heating effects than 14/3.  12/3 is usually more expensive.  So, if you buy cords for a million compressors you'll want the cheaper option.

One critical factor is the length of cord you employ.  12/3 will have less voltage drop per foot under load than 14/3.

Part for part replacement, including length, 12/3 is "better" than 14/3.  It usually weighs more, if that is a factor for you.

Cheers,

[78 k550]

it is on a 15 amp cir. now. I just got some 12/3 so why not wire up with that.
Thank's TT I'll use the thicker wire and not worry about it.
Power cord only 4ft long. and switch to motor maybe a ft.

Paul

[Cbowers]

You should be fine either way as long as you wire it 220.......14awg romex should hold 15 amps while the 12awg should hold 20. If you have the 12awg go ahead with it.

[78 k550]

You should be fine either way as long as you wire it 220.......14awg romex should hold 15 amps while the 12awg should hold 20. If you have the 12awg go ahead with it.

I do have the 12/3 so I'll just wire it up.
I can't wait. Going from a craftsman oil less noisey as heck to dual piston 2hp motor oil head nice and quiet.

Paul

[78 k550]

I must not have something correct. It doesn't want to start up.

Paul

[Cbowers]

.....Do you have the motor wired for 220 (if it were wired 110 you probably smoked it). There should be a pressure switch that breaks both legs of the incoming power. I figure the incoming 220 is fine because it was running the other compressor. check the pressure switch to make sure both poles are closing to allow voltage to the motor. is it humming or anything? if it is humming and its a capacitor start motor the capacitor could be bad.