Do you need help sizing the breaker or the wires? You did not say.
It's common not to have a motor starter on a single phase compressor of this size. But it's not a bad idea either. As Marc stated, the pressure switch is what starts and stops the motor. If the pressure switch contacts are not over sized and of very good quality, you will be replacing the pressure switch before you should have too. So, if you are relying on this compressor for income, you may want to consider installing a starter and external overload yourself. We can help you if you like. Good luck and GET BACK TO WORK!:laughing:
OP. Whats wrong with Sears? You got a good deal. Thats what counts. You got a very good name in that compressor too.
I think slogarage has a handle on his wiring at this point, or at least seems to. For the record, we both have two-stage compressors. That's why I am disappointed in the lack of a starter. Everything I know about compressors says that any 5 HP two-stage compressor should have one. (Not that I know too much about compressors.)
Off topic again for a moment: Sears is okay, I suppose. They just always seem to have about the worst possible customer service. I know that it boils down to the individuals at a particular store, but holy cow, do they ever excel at hiring folks who know nothing about what they are trying to sell. Adding insult to injury, guess who you have to call to schedule an appointment when something needs service? India.
Of course, they want you to describe the problem in detail, and somehow we never seem to speak the same version of English as "Bob" or "Pat" when we call. On the other hand, it is funny when they begin and end each sentence with "sir" while they are talking to my wife. :laughing:
I do, however, like one particular sales person that works in the appliance department at our local store. She's our go-to for dryers, refrigerators, etc. She knows her stuff, and when we can call her and tell her what we're looking for, she can quickly make appropriate suggestions, and even discuss technical details! To top it off, she will actually tell us when the next sale is that we can take advantage of, and gives us a courtesy call the day before the sale goes in to effect. When we come in, she already has the paperwork done, too. She's awesome. I just wish they'd go back to hiring people like her to run the rest of the store.
Back on topic: I will be relying on my compressor for income. The death of my last compressor has delayed several projects that are meant to be examples of my work. Making the compressor reliable is a top priority for me, because once business is rolling, I do not want this kind of downtime.
I would like very much to add a starter and external protection to it. Also, I'd like to add an hour meter.
I do have one concern with hour meters, specifically. There are many 230VAC choices, but I'm worried about vibration damaging them. Also, I have found no surface mount options, and will apparently need an enclosure for a flange mounted meter. Suggestions?
