Posted by DanF on December 22, 01 at 08:23:16:
In Reply to: Re: For Christmas - what compessor would you get? posted by S-TEE on December 21, 01 at 17:56:19:
: Something to consider when getting a 120V compressor is where you are going to plug it in, if you get one of the higher horsepower ones. I got a 5HP/30gal Craftsman that works fine for my needs, BUT the darn thing pops every 15 amp breaker in my garage, except for one--and that one is in the middle of the garage ceiling! The starting surge current sure gave me fits until I found a good circuit. If you have 20 amp breakers, you should have no problem.
That 5hp rating on 120V is an old marketing scam used by Sears(and now many others). They know the consumer likes to focus on hp so they grossly overrate them. A clean 20A circuit can handle a max of ~3hp. Other factors here but lets make it short. Also, a compressor mtr(and many others) starting up can draw 2-3 times its normal run amperage. Most slow-trip breakers can handle this brief high-draw but a GFI won't. And most modern outdoor outlets are GFI.
: One thing I might have changed would be to get an upright model--the footprint of the compressor would have saved some storage space, as compared to a horizontal one. Otherwise, it works fine for me-- rotating tires is a breeze, now that I have the impact gun, and having compressed air available is sure handy. Just make sure you drain your tank after each use...