Installing my new CH XP5810 compressor, electrical ?s.

sharkytm · Feb 21, 2009

Well, after over 1.5 years of Craigslist searching, 20+ calls to people with compressors for sale, and not a single hit (either too late, or the compressor sucked), I gave up and took the high road: I bought a new Campbell Hausfeld XP5810 compressor from my local Lowes. $599 for this: http://www.chpower.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/chPrd3_10051_10001_110213_-1_10646_10689_

Not too bad, I'd say. Now comes the fun part: Wiring it in. I know the motor draws 22A@240v when it runs. I know I needed a minimum of AWG8 wire and a 40A breaker to handle the load, but I found a 30' piece of NM-6/3 w/ ground in the cull pile, and scored that for $40. I'm going to put in a 60A breaker and wire it with this massive cable. I'm also planning on getting a 250A welder soon, so I'll need the 60A breaker soon enough.

SO. Here comes the question part:
1. There isn't a switch on the compressor. I assume thats because I need to run a separate disconnect switch for it, located at the compressor location. Is this correct, and what switch can I use?
2. Any hints on wiring it up? I haven't looked at the wiring diagram yet, but I imagine its pretty easy. Hot1 and Hot2 to two lugs, neutral to another, ground to the box.
3. Any hints for setting things up that you folks with more experience have found? :beer:

Stuart in MN · Feb 21, 2009

Is the compressor going to be within sight of the breaker panel? If so, no local disconnect is needed. If it's not, yes you need a local disconnect. Most any big box store should have a 60 amp 240vac non-fused disconnect for sale, you can probably get one marketed as an air conditioner disconnect pretty cheaply.

The compressor should only need the two hots and a ground for 240vac. The neutral isn't necessary unless for some reason it has a need for 120vac power as well. If that's the case you won't need the white neutral wire.

sharkytm · Feb 22, 2009

Without a local disconnect, I won't have a way to turn it on or off... There was no switch supplied. I'm not sure if my welder needs the neutral, so I bought the 3+g to be safe.

ironroad 9c1 · Feb 22, 2009

14cfm doesn't seem to be alot for a big compressor...what are your plans for it?

rinny_tin_tin · Feb 22, 2009

sharkytm said:
Well, after over 1.5 years of Craigslist searching, 20+ calls to people with compressors for sale, and not a single hit (either too late, or the compressor sucked), I gave up and took the high road: I bought a new Campbell Hausfeld XP5810 compressor from my local Lowes. $599 for this: http://www.chpower.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/chPrd3_10051_10001_110213_-1_10646_10689_

Not too bad, I'd say. Now comes the fun part: Wiring it in. I know the motor draws 22A@240v when it runs. I know I needed a minimum of AWG8 wire and a 40A breaker to handle the load, but I found a 30' piece of NM-6/3 w/ ground in the cull pile, and scored that for $40. I'm going to put in a 60A breaker and wire it with this massive cable. I'm also planning on getting a 250A welder soon, so I'll need the 60A breaker soon enough.

SO. Here comes the question part:
1. There isn't a switch on the compressor. I assume thats because I need to run a separate disconnect switch for it, located at the compressor location. Is this correct, and what switch can I use?
2. Any hints on wiring it up? I haven't looked at the wiring diagram yet, but I imagine its pretty easy. Hot1 and Hot2 to two lugs, neutral to another, ground to the box.
3. Any hints for setting things up that you folks with more experience have found?

Stuart nailed it - you can use your 60 A breaker to shut off power to the comp if the compressor is within sight of the breaker. Otherwise, get one of those AC disconnect switch box. Since you already have the neutral - run it and leave it disconnected on both ends - You may need it later on

Enjoy yer new cmp

sharkytm · Feb 22, 2009

ironroad 9c1 said:
14cfm doesn't seem to be alot for a big compressor...what are your plans for it?

Its the best I could find for under a grand. Ingersoll Rand makes the 2340N5, same specs (5HP, 80G, 15CFM), but its a lot more expensive.

I actually don't have a huge amount of air tools yet, but I can't stand my old 33G 1.5hp oil-less Craftsman, too loud, and not enough air to use for much. I do some sandblasting, so I definitely needed something bigger.

sonett43 · Feb 22, 2009

I bought the same compressor, and a 220v disconnect from lowes for under $20 for the disconnect. Ran the electric last week, doing the black pipe and hose reels in the next week or 2.

Gary S · Feb 22, 2009

If it was my compressor, I'd put in a 60A breaker panel so supply the garage. Then put in a 30A? breaker in the panel. For 5hp compressor drawing 22amps, you shouldn't need a 40A breaker. You can use your #8 wire from the breaker panel to the 30A breaker. Oversizing the wire never hurts. This way, you use the built in switch on the compressor to cycle the compressor when it is in use, and when not in use, you can turn off the 30A breaker so it doesn't try to run.
I'm running my 5hp compressor on a 30Amp breaker and #8 wire from my 100A panel. The oversize wire allows easy starts even in very cold weather so the motor doesn't eat itself up.
Even my little 110v compressor which needs a 20A breaker and #12 wire is running on its 20A breaker and #10 wire. It used to drop the 20A breaker in cold weather trying to start on #12 wire, but with #10 wire, that doesn't happen.

sharkytm · Feb 22, 2009

Gary S said:
If it was my compressor, I'd put in a 60A breaker panel so supply the garage. Then put in a 30A? breaker in the panel. For 5hp compressor drawing 22amps, you shouldn't need a 40A breaker. You can use your #8 wire from the breaker panel to the 30A breaker. Oversizing the wire never hurts. This way, you use the built in switch on the compressor to cycle the compressor when it is in use, and when not in use, you can turn off the 30A breaker so it doesn't try to run.
I'm running my 5hp compressor on a 30Amp breaker and #8 wire from my 100A panel. The oversize wire allows easy starts even in very cold weather so the motor doesn't eat itself up.
Even my little 110v compressor which needs a 20A breaker and #12 wire is running on its 20A breaker and #10 wire. It used to drop the 20A breaker in cold weather trying to start on #12 wire, but with #10 wire, that doesn't happen.

It needs a 35A breaker to run. There is NO switch on the compressor, other than the pressure switch, I don't know if that was what you were referring to?

I'm going to put in a disconnect, I don't like using a breaker as a switch. The garage already has a 100A subpanel, and another 60A sub for the upstairs apartment (with its own meter). I'd like to avoid another subpanel.

Thanks for the info.

Sonett: Do you have any pictures of your setup? Where did you get your regulator and filter? I'm having trouble finding an affordable reg that can handle 175psi.

sonett43 · Feb 22, 2009

no photos yet, but I can snap some tomorrow.

I found a 160 PSI regulator with 1/2" inlet and outlet on ebay, that will do the job for me.

I need to travel out of town this week, so progress will likely occur next week.

Lewis

Aceman · Feb 23, 2009

I don't get what the deal is with folks wanting to lump all their equipment onto one 240 circuit?

You might have 20 dollars in wire and an 8 dollar breaker. Is $28 just too much to spend for a dedicated circuit to an air compressor?

porschedude996TT · Feb 23, 2009

I've been looking at larger AC's and how come in the technical specifications they never list a breaker amperage requirement?

ironroad 9c1 · Feb 23, 2009

funny you mentioned your craftsman 33 gal..lol I have the same thing for a backup, bought it maybe 7 years ago, and wore out the piston ring useing it, 12 bucks later for a new ring and I was back in business. decent unit, but not for anything that requires alotta air.

sharkytm · Feb 23, 2009

Aceman said:
I don't get what the deal is with folks wanting to lump all their equipment onto one 240 circuit?

You might have 20 dollars in wire and an 8 dollar breaker. Is $28 just too much to spend for a dedicated circuit to an air compressor?

Try $65 in wire, $30 for a breaker, and another 1" hole through all my studs.
Plus, I'll never be using the compressor and welder simultaneously. I've got 2 other 240v circuits in the garage, just not any other 60A devices.

porschedude996TT said:
I've been looking at larger AC's and how come in the technical specifications they never list a breaker amperage requirement?

They usually just list the amps needed running and at startup. Its up to you to figure out what 20% overhead is, and calculate the breaker size. Basically, industrial compressors assume that you have the power and enough intelligence to run the correct size wire/breaker. I guess thats the price we pay for industrial equip.

Charles (in GA) · Feb 23, 2009

sharkytm said:
Try $65 in wire, $30 for a breaker, and another 1" hole through all my studs.
Plus, I'll never be using the compressor and welder simultaneously. I've got 2 other 240v circuits in the garage, just not any other 60A devices.

What kind of panel do you have that requires a $30 double pole breaker???

Square D QO series double pole breakers are about $15 up thru 60 amp, everyone else (Seimens, GE, Homeline) are about $10 or less. When you get to 100 amp double pole, you finally get to about $35 for them, $50 for Square D.

Charles

35mastr · Feb 23, 2009

I have an old panel.They require the Zinsco breakers.Every time I get a 30 or bigger its 85.00 at Dales.They are the only ones that carry them around here.

nadogail · Feb 24, 2009

What you have is a F...king Zinsco, they have earned a bad reputation for not opening. I am not the most experienced electrician around, but I pay attention to what the more experienced journeymen have to say. As a rule, Zinsco Breakers are referred to as Fu..ing Zinscos.

I respectfully suggest you plan on changing out the panel to a modern one.

Perhaps you might consider a sub panel to control the circuits in your garage, then when the time and resources seem right replace the panel holding those Antique Zinsco breakers.

35mastr · Feb 24, 2009

nadogail said:
What you have is a F...king Zinsco, they have earned a bad reputation for not opening. I am not the most experienced electrician around, but I pay attention to what the more experienced journeymen have to say. As a rule, Zinsco Breakers are referred to as Fu..ing Zinscos.

I respectfully suggest you plan on changing out the panel to a modern one.

Perhaps you might consider a sub panel to control the circuits in your garage, then when the time and resources seem right replace the panel holding those Antique Zinsco breakers.

Ya,I know what your saying.I have a sub in the garage.Its probably as old as that one too.

When I upgrade the panel to 200 Amps I am going to change both of them.

I have a hundred now.While on the subject.What would it cost to, bring in 200 Amps?

mdoolittle · Feb 27, 2009

This is what is next to my compressor. http://www.rexxindustrialparts.com/square-d-d222n-nema-1-safety-disconnect-switch-222160.html Motor is 23 Amps I put 60 Amp fuses in disconnect and double pole 40 Amp in panel. I always cut power at this disconnect when not in the shop. I have seen hoses and fittings fail and ya don't want your compressor feeding a flying air hose and smashin everything in sight.

Gary S · Mar 1, 2009

Both my compressors have a two position switch on them. They can be in "Auto" or "Off".
I always leave them Off when not using them, and in Auto when using them. Auto allows them to run as needed as air dictates. Off prevents them from running at all.
I suspect that most compressors have similar switches so you don't need to be turning the breaker off.

And, I see no need to fuse a 22 or 23 amp compressor at 40 amps. As sharkytm mentioned above, you want at least 20% overhead. Doing simple math, 20% more than 22-23 amps is 26.4-27.6 amps, still below a 30amp breaker. Mine cycles happily all day on a 30 amp breaker. Using oversized breakers just makes things burn up faster and hotter if something goes wrong. I want my breakers to trip if anything ever goes wrong in the motors, and trip as fast as possible to prevent more damage.

Installing my new CH XP5810 compressor, electrical ?s.

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