MikeJ-2009

So I got this standard *** townhouse, and I need to wire the garage to run a 230v air compressor. I can take pictures of the main box in the garage if needed, but more than anything I need a writeup for idiots. I've done lots of recessed lights and bullshit like that, but adding to the system is a whole new deal.

Parts needed
Wiring
Hand holding

stevenb

It really shouldn't be too bad, you can buy the breaker at homo depot, and all the necessary materials.

The big thing is making sure it's up to spec.

rsmith2786

If the box is in the garage its going to be very easy. i dont have the time to go over it now but you can find really good write-ups on google. Otherwise i can go over it later.

MikeJ-2009

Yeah, I'm not worried about finding the parts, I just need a specific on what I need.

I've looked around google and all I hear is gibberish and nanny yelpin. It'd be better if I had someone I could verify things with on HMT.

Dr.Boost

Where are the pics of the panel?

Is it a 20a or a 30a compressor? You will need either a 12-2(20a) or a 10-230a) to run it. Post pictures of your panel and a general location of where you want it(the closer to the panel, the easier/cheaper it will be).

Does the compressor have a plug on it so you can just plug it in? Post pics of that, too.
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MikeJ-2009

Here's the closest one I can find to it from that manufacturer:
http://www.sanborncompressors.com/
# 3.7 HP w/ thermal overload protection system
# 60 gallon vertical tank ASME rated
# 230 V

Here's the actual compressor:
http://minneapolis.craigslist.org/tls/572657507.html

jinxy

I think he meant the panel with the circuit breakers and what not :P

Dr.Boost

Looks like the right one to me. Ninja edit?


Steve, either most of the ---- in your house is ran on gas or there is another panel feeding some ---- in your house? I've never wired a building that people live in with as little as 100amps. That's ------- crazy. Trailers out here are wired for more than 100amps.

My suggestion:

Take the cover off that panel.
Knock out a hole in the bottom of the panel (1/2" hole will work)
Buy a single gang cut-in box.
Cut a hole under the panel big enough to fit the cut-in box in.
Run a piece of 10-2 from hole you knocked out in the panel to the hole you cut in the drywall for the cut-in box
Put a snap-in bushing in the hole in the panel (to keep it up to code)
Connect the bare copper wire to the area in the panel where the rest of the bare copper wires are going.
Connect the black and the white wires to a 2 pole 30amp breaker
Put whatever plug you need in the single gang cut-in box.
Plug in your compressor.


I'm drunk. Did I miss anything?

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Smith-02

the breakers max out the main, switch that 100 to a 150 or higher

Dr.Boost

Yeah, if you want to burn your house down and void your insurance because you're basically too dumb to live in a modern home. :1

The main breaker most likely is the maximum you can run on the wires that are feeding that panel. DO NOT ---- WITH THAT.

If he's not tripping that 100a breaker, he has nothing to worry about. There is no way he's maxing out that panel on a few 15a circuits and some gas appliances. :1 If he were running EVERYTHING in his house at one time and plugged his 30a compressor in, he probably still wouldn't trip that breaker.
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