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Air compressor outside of building

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aalleexx

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Built a 4x8 lean-to outside my red iron metal building that I plan on putting my 7.5hp 80 gal. air compressor in. Whats the best way to run power to it? Should
I put a disconnect inside shed or inside building? I will also be installing powered vent for cooling. Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
 
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mm08822

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Not sure what you are doing.....If just a simple lean-to (roof), then compressor is in "open space". Is the power vent for the building and nothing to do with the compressor? Or is the compressor in enclosed space and you will be venting that space?

This should have been posted in the electrical forum. @The Cobbler
 
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A

aalleexx

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Apr 22, 2008
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136
Location
East Texas
Built a 4x8 lean-to outside my red iron metal building that I plan on putting my 7.5hp 80 gal. air compressor in. Whats the best way to run power to it? Should
I put a disconnect inside shed or inside building? I will also be installing powered vent for cooling.(in lean-to) Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
 
O

OccupantRJ

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May 15, 2009
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Eastern North Carolina
I would have a disconnect and the control relays and/or motor starter beside the compressor for when maintenance or repair is needed. The compressor can be controlled with a standard light switch from inside the main building or by connecting the controls to the shop lights.
 
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dave*99

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Coastal NJ
aalleexx said:
Built a 4x8 lean-to outside my red iron metal building that I plan on putting my 7.5hp 80 gal. air compressor in. Whats the best way to run power to it? Should
I put a disconnect inside shed or inside building? I will also be installing powered vent for cooling.(in lean-to) Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
Click to expand...
Disconnect should be visible from the compressor location, so put it in the shed.
 
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mm08822

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I would suggest a small sub-panel to feed the comp/act as local disconnect and provide power for a recept, lights and maybe the cooling fan.

Who knows what other equipment may live out there.

At 7.5 hp, the comp will need to be hardwired (unless you have DEEP pockets).
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Aug 14, 2012
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Modesto, CA
aalleexx said:
Built a 4x8 lean-to outside my red iron metal building that I plan on putting my 7.5hp 80 gal. air compressor in. Whats the best way to run power to it? Should
I put a disconnect inside shed or inside building? I will also be installing powered vent for cooling.(in lean-to) Any suggestions welcome and appreciated.
Click to expand...

as said above, disco needs to be at the compressor as code only allows no disco if the compressor is no farther than 50' from and within sight of the panel

you will need 50a rated wire (40a FLC x 1.25) and has to be hardwired unless you want to spend tons of money on pin and sleeve plugs. I would run 3x #8s in conduit.
 
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William Payne

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As long as you buy things made to be outside in the weather I don’t see how it would be a problem. I’ve seen my share of compressors in little outdoor enclosures.
 
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Norcal

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My compressor has sat under a overhang at my shop for decades, older Speedaire (Grainger brand) 5 HP. Disco is adjacent to it in a combination starter, only single phase model I have seen, plenty of 3Ø ones out there.
 
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A

aalleexx

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Apr 22, 2008
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East Texas
mm08822 said:
I would suggest a small sub-panel to feed the comp/act as local disconnect and provide power for a recept, lights and maybe the cooling fan.

Who knows what other equipment may live out there.

At 7.5 hp, the comp will need to be hardwired (unless you have DEEP pockets).
Click to expand...
What's the best way to run the power from the panel in the (metal) shop through the walls to the shed? Total distance from panel to shed about 30 feet.
 
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mm08822

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No one answer. Depends more on site conditions - obstacles, materials of construction, inside/outside, degree of difficulty, your ability/patience.

EMT or PVC could be a good choice.
 
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