An air compressor uses a lot of amps. It’s important to know how many amps your air compressor uses, so you can make sure you have the correct size breaker and wiring for your home.
You don’t want to overload your circuit and trip the breaker or damage your air compressor. So, how many amps does an air compressor use, and what should you do if yours is too powerful? Keep reading to find out.
How Many Amps Does An Air Compressor Use?
If you’re using a portable cigarette plug air compressor, it will typically use around 15 amps. If you’re using a standard air compressor, it will use 20 to 30 amps.
Let me explain it more in-depth. A typical outlet in your home is 15 amps. So, if you’re using a portable air compressor that uses 15 amps or less, you should be okay.
If you’re using a standard air compressor that uses 20 to 30 amps, you’ll need a dedicated 20-amp or 30-amp breaker to run it. You can’t run a standard air compressor on a 15-amp breaker because it will overload the circuit and trip the breaker.
How do I know how many amps my compressor is?
There are a few ways to determine how many amps your compressor uses. The easiest way is to look at the specs on the compressor. Most air compressors will list the amps it uses on the label.
If you don’t have the specs for your compressor, you can measure the amperage with a multimeter. To do this, you’ll need to remove the plug from the compressor and measure the amps while it is running. Be very careful and always unplug the compressor before working on it.
If you’re still unsure how many amps your compressor uses, you can contact the manufacturer. They should be able to tell you how many amps your compressor uses and what size breaker and wiring you’ll need for your home.
What does amperage mean for air compressors?
Air compressors are rated by horsepower and amperage. The horsepower is a measure of the motor’s power, while the amperage is a measure of the electrical current required to start and run the motor. In general, the higher the horsepower, the higher the amperage.
The amperage rating is important because it determines the size of the circuit breaker or fuse needed to protect the electrical circuit from overload. Always consult the air compressor’s owner’s manual for the specific amperage rating when in doubt. In most cases, however, a 20-amp circuit breaker is sufficient for most home air compressors.
Factors that affect air compressor amps
A few factors will affect how many amps your air compressor uses. The most crucial factor is the voltage. Air compressors use more amps when they are running on a higher voltage.
Another factor is pressure. When the compressor is running at a higher pressure, it will use more amps.
The size of the compressor also affects how many amps it uses. Larger compressors use more amps than smaller compressors.
Tips for conserving air compressor amps
If you’re using a standard air compressor and it’s using more than 20 amps, there are a few things you can do to conserve amps.
One way is to use a higher voltage air compressor. A compressor that runs on 240 volts will use fewer amps than a compressor that runs on 120 volts.
Another way to conserve amps is to turn off the compressor when not using it. This will save energy and prolong the life of the compressor.
If you’re using a portable air compressor, you can save amps by using an extension cord rated for the number of amps your compressor uses.
What is HP on an air compressor?
HP on an air compressor measures the rate at which the compressor can pump air. It is usually measured in cubic feet per minute (CFM). The higher the HP, the greater the airflow.
For example, a 1 HP air compressor can pump about 4 CFM, while a 5 HP compressor can pump about 20 CFM. Of course, other factors determine the actual airflow, such as pressure and leakage.
However, HP is an excellent way to compare the capabilities of different compressors. When selecting an air compressor, it is vital to choose one that is powerful enough to meet your needs.
If you use tools that require a lot of airflows, such as a pneumatic drill, the compressor should have a minimum HP rating of 3.
Final Thoughts:
I hope you better understand the amps an air compressor uses. It is important to know the power requirements of the air compressor before purchasing because it will help you pick the right one for your needs.
Keep this in mind when purchasing an air compressor, as it can save you from buying one that is too powerful or not powerful enough for your needs.
FAQs Related to Air Compressor AMPS
What causes a compressor to draw high amps?
Compressors draw high amps due to mechanical problems such as a bad capacitor, worn bearing, jammed valve, and electrical supply voltage are some of the most common causes of a compressor drawing high amps.
What If My Air Compressor Is Too Powerful?
If you have an air compressor that is too powerful for your home, don’t worry. You can install a 220-volt outlet to handle the extra amperage.
This will require an electrician, but it is a relatively simple process. Once the outlet is installed, you can plug in your air compressor and use it without fear of overloading your circuit.
What size breaker do I need for a 10 hp motor?
The size of the breaker that you need for a 10 hp motor will be based on the breaker’s amperage rating. So, for a 10 hp motor, you would need a breaker rated for at least 30 amps.
How many amps does a 20 gallon air compressor use?
In general, a 20-gallon air compressor will use around 15 amps. This is based on using a standard 120-volt electric circuit., which makes it a good choice for home use.