[yellowdog5]

I have a blower that is rated at 17 amps. I want to add a circuit with just one receptacle especially for it. It has a standard plug like comes on most tools and small appliances. Is a 20 amp circuit adequate?

 

[joed]

If it has a regular plug on it is not rated at 17 amps. It would most certainly trip a 15 amp circuit.
A 20 amp circuit might work. Depends on the startup current.

 

[yellowdog5]

Here is where you can see the specs of the blower: http://www.scottdalesupplyonline.com/air_express_iii.htm

 

[Yoyizit]

A 15A breaker might hold at 17A for quite a while.
How long is this used continuously? Minutes?

If the CB doesn't hold long enough you might put this blower on an extension cord to reduce the current slightly. I don't think fan motors mind some series resistance, since they don't start under load.

 

[yellowdog5]

Probably about 1/2 hour would be the longest time period i use it. It does trip the breaker on the lighting circuit unless most of the lights are turned off. That's why I want a separate circuit for it. I don't like overheating the circuit all the time. I think I should install a 20 amp receptacle on it's own circuit. Does this sound reasonable?

 

[Yoyizit]

Probably about 1/2 hour would be the longest time period i use it.
I think I should install a 20 amp receptacle on it's own circuit. Does this sound reasonable?

If your lights are on a 15A circuit then 15A must work. If there is a negligible cost/labor difference going to 20A then I guess it's 20A for you, plus there might be other advantages to the higher amperage.

 

[micromind]

This is obviously a motor, or more precisely, a group of motors (more than one). The code doesn't give a minimum breaker size, only a maximum.

If there is a receptacle involved, the maximum breaker size is the rating of the receptacle.

There is a very good possibility that this blower would work on a 20 amp circuit, and #12 wire. Nothing else can be on the circuit though.

Rob

 

[kbsparky]

Is that thing UL listed? I can't find any information about such listings on their web site .... :huh:

 

[joed]

If it has a 15 amp plug on it, it should run a 15 amp circuit. It probably one of those fake ratings like the way they rate compressors.
I think I would put in a 20 amp circuit to be sure. The thing has a heater in it as well as two blowers.