What size fuse do I need for a 220V 15A Compressor? Is 15A correct or is it ok anywhere between 15A-50A? Also what gauge wire is best to wire it? Thanks in advance for the assistance.
What size fuse do I need for a 220V 15A Compressor?
- Thread starter thetoyotaman
- Start date
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I'm assuming that you are wiring it up in your garage, but a little more information is required.
I think you mean breaker, not fuse since this is a 220V 15A compressor, unless you're in an older house that still uses fuses. First of all, you have to take into consideration how you are wiring it in. Is the wiring going to be in conduit, in the wall, etc? The wiring size will be determined by the load of the compressor, in this case 15A, but the wiring will have to be de-rated by a certain amount based on whether it will be in-wall, in conduit, normal ambient temperatures, and the length of the run. You will also need to verify that your panel can accommodate the additional load, and that there are additional breaker slots available if you haven't already done so. Once the wire has been sized according to the previously mentioned items, you can size your breaker based on the wire size. I am not a licensed residential electrician, but I have been doing industrial controls for over 10 years. I typically like to add an addtional 15% safety margin when sizing my wiring and breaker/fuse sizes due to inconsistencies in manufacturing. I would recommend hiring an electrician if you are unsure at all, nobody wants to risk burning their house down to save a few bucks. If you insist on doing it yourself, go to the library and check out the current NEC code book. It will have all of the necessary charts, tables, de-rating guides for each type of wire and installation application. Remember to also check out your local counties code regulations, you can usually find these online as well. This is important because some areas will often have additional requirements that are more strict than the NEC code and you don't want to have to deal with electrical code issues when/if you go to sell your house. Most home inspectors aren't intelligent enough on the matter to know any better, but some are and as a prospective home buyer, I would walk away from any home where I see obvious signs that unlicensed electrical work had been done.
You can do it yourself, but don't make any assumptions or cut any corners.
I think you mean breaker, not fuse since this is a 220V 15A compressor, unless you're in an older house that still uses fuses. First of all, you have to take into consideration how you are wiring it in. Is the wiring going to be in conduit, in the wall, etc? The wiring size will be determined by the load of the compressor, in this case 15A, but the wiring will have to be de-rated by a certain amount based on whether it will be in-wall, in conduit, normal ambient temperatures, and the length of the run. You will also need to verify that your panel can accommodate the additional load, and that there are additional breaker slots available if you haven't already done so. Once the wire has been sized according to the previously mentioned items, you can size your breaker based on the wire size. I am not a licensed residential electrician, but I have been doing industrial controls for over 10 years. I typically like to add an addtional 15% safety margin when sizing my wiring and breaker/fuse sizes due to inconsistencies in manufacturing. I would recommend hiring an electrician if you are unsure at all, nobody wants to risk burning their house down to save a few bucks. If you insist on doing it yourself, go to the library and check out the current NEC code book. It will have all of the necessary charts, tables, de-rating guides for each type of wire and installation application. Remember to also check out your local counties code regulations, you can usually find these online as well. This is important because some areas will often have additional requirements that are more strict than the NEC code and you don't want to have to deal with electrical code issues when/if you go to sell your house. Most home inspectors aren't intelligent enough on the matter to know any better, but some are and as a prospective home buyer, I would walk away from any home where I see obvious signs that unlicensed electrical work had been done.
You can do it yourself, but don't make any assumptions or cut any corners.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks for the info. You are correct, I do mean breaker and my box has plenty of room. The compressor is right next to the box and I'm thinking of running an outlet and hard wiring a plug to the compressor. From my research it looks to be best to go with a 20A breaker as a 15A may trip on a 15A motor.
- Thread starter
- #5
So, got it all wired up with a 20A breaker, 12/2 wire, and 20A plug all double checked with an electrician and up to code. Works great.
I just bought an air angle die grinder and it says not to run over 90 psi. What kind of regulator do I need? Any recommendations on best bang for the buck? I will probably plan to paint with this at some point as well.
I just bought an air angle die grinder and it says not to run over 90 psi. What kind of regulator do I need? Any recommendations on best bang for the buck? I will probably plan to paint with this at some point as well.
- Thread starter
- #6
Ordered a Milton combo regulator/filter and a gauge as well for now. I thought about an oiler too, but not sure I need one. I'm assuming you only want the oiler for impacts and such.
