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    chewey356's Avatar
    chewey356 Posts: 1, Reputation: 1
    New Member
    		  
    #1

    Jan 16, 2011, 01:16 PM
    What gauge wire used for 20 amp circuit
    15 amp draw on air compressor on start up runs at 8 amps on trips breaker while there is pressure in tank do I need to up my service from 15a to 20 a or do I have to do both 12/3wire or stay with 14/3 wire
    stanfortyman's Avatar
    stanfortyman Posts: 5,598, Reputation: 279
    Electrical & Lighting Expert
    		  
    #2

    Jan 16, 2011, 01:20 PM

    Generally we use a 20A breaker on #12 wire and a 15A breaker on #14 wire.

    In your case I would use #12 on a 20A breaker.
    You should not need 12/3 if this is dedicated to the compressor. 12/2 is typical.

    Is it 120v or 240v?
    ma0641's Avatar
    ma0641 Posts: 15,675, Reputation: 1012
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    #3

    Jan 16, 2011, 02:06 PM
    Stan asks a good question that mede me wonder too. You comment about " stay with a 14/3". What is voltage of compressor? Unless your compressor has a startup compression release, it draws a lot of current to get going.
    Missouri Bound's Avatar
    Missouri Bound Posts: 1,532, Reputation: 94
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    #4

    Jan 16, 2011, 07:46 PM
    The amount of air in the tank should not affect the startup of the compressor if the unloader is working properly. The unloader releives the pressure on the pump so it doesn't start under a load.
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