Air Compressor Receptacle/Amps Question
#1
03-23-23, 09:33 PM
Air Compressor Receptacle/Amps Question
Hello folks,
I searched for an answer before posting but couldnt find anything. Maybe used wrong keywords and/or their combinations... Sorry if it a silly question.
Anyway. I recently bought a California Air Tools 10020CHAD air compressor (110V). According to specs, the unit draws 14amps. The garage outlet it will be plugged in is after a GFCI/AFCI. The circuit is on a 20amp breaker with 12 gauge wiring but all receptacles are 15 amp including the GFCI/AFCI, which is allowed. I thought about replacing the GFCI/AFCI and the receptacle with 20 amp versions and assumed I would be alright. Then, while googling, I saw that hair dryers are often rated at around 15 amps and we all use them on regular 15 amp receptacles without any issues.
Is this huge device (compared to a hair dryer) really needs less amps than a hair dryer and I am OK to use it on my existing 15 amp garage receptacle as it is? Or would should I still go ahead and upgrade everything in the garage to 20 amps?
Thanks
I searched for an answer before posting but couldnt find anything. Maybe used wrong keywords and/or their combinations... Sorry if it a silly question.
Anyway. I recently bought a California Air Tools 10020CHAD air compressor (110V). According to specs, the unit draws 14amps. The garage outlet it will be plugged in is after a GFCI/AFCI. The circuit is on a 20amp breaker with 12 gauge wiring but all receptacles are 15 amp including the GFCI/AFCI, which is allowed. I thought about replacing the GFCI/AFCI and the receptacle with 20 amp versions and assumed I would be alright. Then, while googling, I saw that hair dryers are often rated at around 15 amps and we all use them on regular 15 amp receptacles without any issues.
Is this huge device (compared to a hair dryer) really needs less amps than a hair dryer and I am OK to use it on my existing 15 amp garage receptacle as it is? Or would should I still go ahead and upgrade everything in the garage to 20 amps?
Thanks
#2
03-24-23, 03:07 AM
Group Moderator
Upgrading to 20 amp receptacles certainly won't hurt but having outlets rated for 15 amps on a 20 amp circuit is not unusual at all. I bet many people have never even seen a 20 amp 120v socket.
mtm13
voted this post useful.
#3
03-24-23, 03:24 AM
Is the garage circuit 15 amps or 20?
I'd want an air compressor on a 20 amp circuit [which means 12 gauge wire as opposed to 14 gauge] While a 14 amp compressor will run on a 15 amp circuit it often draws more on start up, especially if there is air in the tank.
I'd want an air compressor on a 20 amp circuit [which means 12 gauge wire as opposed to 14 gauge] While a 14 amp compressor will run on a 15 amp circuit it often draws more on start up, especially if there is air in the tank.
mtm13
voted this post useful.
#4
03-24-23, 06:20 AM
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20A receptacles are not necessary. The only difference is the sideways prong allowing some special equipment that uses a 20A plug. The 15A duplex outlets are allowed by code to be on a 20A circuit. The only issue is to not have other concurrent loads on the circuit when running the compressor.
mtm13
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#5
03-24-23, 07:45 PM
Group Moderator
The AFCI/GFCI should have no effect when using the compressor. If the cord on the compressor is a 15 amp configuration there will be no benefit in changing the receptacle to a 20 amp configuration.
mtm13
voted this post useful.
#6
03-25-23, 06:17 AM
Since the compressor is U.L. or comparably safety rated and comes with a standard 15 amp (120 volt) plug, it is suitable for, intended for, and safe on a 15 amp circuit. The startup draw is not long enough to overheat 14 gauge wiring although if the distance to the panel is too great (like over 100 feet) the voltage drop might cause the motor to labor excessively on startup, or if the breaker happens to be too fast acting it might trip on compressor startup..
I suggest leaving the existing circuits in the garage or workshop or basement as-is. Add more branch circuits if you need more amperes.
The significance of the compressor being "huge" is that the hair dryer that runs on the same or slightly more amps does not have a significant startup draw on top of that.
I suggest leaving the existing circuits in the garage or workshop or basement as-is. Add more branch circuits if you need more amperes.
The significance of the compressor being "huge" is that the hair dryer that runs on the same or slightly more amps does not have a significant startup draw on top of that.
mtm13
voted this post useful.
#7
03-25-23, 09:18 PM
Thank you all very much for all your replies. You folks are a blast!!! Truly.
Since someone asked, yes the whole circuit is 20 amps. 20 amp breaker with 12 AWG wiring. Only the receptacles are 15 amp rated which is very common AFAIK and NEC allowed.
Since someone asked, yes the whole circuit is 20 amps. 20 amp breaker with 12 AWG wiring. Only the receptacles are 15 amp rated which is very common AFAIK and NEC allowed.
#8
03-26-23, 03:01 AM
I just reread the thread, looks like I mistakenly thought that your compressor was tripping the breaker. If that's not true - you are good to go. If it is true you'd need to limit what else is plugged into that circuit while the air compressor is in use.
mtm13
voted this post useful.
