How do I hard wire a 230V compressor to a breaker box?

[Jolane]

Tim,

That looks right to me.

 

16A/3.5HP = 4.57 A/HP

 

4.57A/HP * 5HP = 22.9A (just relating back to the numbers for 5 HP).

 

Depending on the breakers, time delay seems to be rated for ~3X the rated current on the switch for ~10 Sec to account for starting currents. The starting current can be VERY high just because of the nature of a compressor.

 

An aside. I looked for the PCF and Efficiency of my motor on the nameplate, and did not see anything. It does say 22.5A though on the side. For some reason mine draws more, maybe that is due to the pressure of the tank (as the internal pressure goes up, maybe the motor load also goes up slightly to overcome the tank pressure?) Oh, and mine puts out something like 15.5+ CFM at 175 PSI (on the label). Yes, the big current draw is worth it when running airtools or the plasma cutter for me. So is the noise.

 

Joshua