220 240 Volt Air Compressor Wiring
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How to Wire a 220 Volt Air Compressor and Control Switch: Wiring a standard 240 volt motor for equipment such as an air compressor there are only two insulated wires for the 220/240 volts and one separate wire for the ground. |
Understanding Ground Wires for 220/240 Volt Circuits
Electrical Question: Where should I connect the white neutral wire in the sub panel for my 220 volt air compressor?
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- I added a sub panel to my main fuse box.
- I have 4 wires going to the sub panel.
- I’m pretty confident according to your wiring diagram that part is fine.
- I’m rewiring the dryer from the 3 wire to 4 wire, that’s easy.
My specific question is:
- I have a 220 volt air compressor that only has three wires.
- Do I connect the white neutral to the neutral bar, or to the ground bar in the sub panel?
I thought if something bad happened the neutral would be the safer bet, but I’m getting mixed answers from other sources.
Thanks for your help, Brad.
This electrical wiring question came from: Brad, a Handyman from Endicott, New York.
Additional Comments: Awesome.
Dave’s Reply: Thanks for your electrical wiring question Brad.
How to Wire a 220 Volt Air Compressor
Application: Electric Circuit for a 220 Volt Air Compressor with Three Wires.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced. This electrical wiring project is best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor or Certified Electrician.
Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools and a Voltage Tester.
Estimated Time: Depends on personal level experience, ability to work with tools and the available access to the air compressor circuit and electrical connection box.
Precaution: Identify the air compressor circuit, turn it OFF and Tag it with a Note before working with the 220 volt air compressor wiring.
Circuit Wiring for a 240 Volt Air Compressor
- Circuit Size for an Air Compressor
The circuit size will depend on the size of the air compressor and the horsepower rating of the motor. The air compressor users manual will specify the required power source. A dedicated circuit will be required for most larger air compressors. A dedicated circuit will ensure ample power for the unit and prevent tripping a circuit that is shared with other equipment or tools. - 220 Volt Air Compressor Ground Wire
Brad, I understand your thinking, and a lot of people get confused by this. The fact is that with a standard 240 volt motor for equipment such as an air compressor there are only two insulated wires for the 220/240 volts and one separate wire for the ground.
The Neutral Wire and 220/240 volt Equipment Circuit
- There is no need for a neutral wire with this type of 220 Volt equipment.
- Newer 240 volt circuits for kitchen equipment such as ranges and laundry room dryers do require a separate insulated neutral wire and a separate ground wire because these new units have 120 volt control circuits.
- Such is not true for 220/240 volt air compressors yet.
- With new control circuits coming out for just about everything, this could change.
- The ground wire for the air compressor will attach to the separate ground terminal strip that is bonded to the electrical system ground.
- As with any electrical circuit, when installed properly, the ground wire is the most important wire of the circuit because it will help protect the equipment and the user in the event of a short circuit or electrical fault.
Part Reference: Air Compressor Switch: 220Volt 20Amp 2-Pole
I have found for example, that a 20 Amp 220Volt Double-Pole Switch works very well as an On / Off switch for Air Compressors as described in this electrical project.
See More about Electric Wiring for a 220 Volt Air Compressor
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Electrical Code Directory covering electrical codes for wiring an electrical circuit for an air compressor.
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Be Careful and Be Safe - Never Work on Energized Circuits!
Consult your Local Building Department about Permits and Inspections for all Electric Wiring Projects.
The Safest Way to Test Electrical Devices and Identify Electric Wires!The Non-Contact Electrical TesterThis is a testing tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and is the first test tool I grab to help identify electrical wiring. It is a Non-contact tester that I use to easily Detect Voltage in Cables, Cords, Circuit Breakers, Lighting Fixtures, Switches, Outlets and Wires. Simply insert the end of the tester into an outlet, lamp socket, or hold the end of the tester against the wire you wish to test. Very handy and easy to use.
The Quickest Way to Check for Faulty Electrical Wiring!The Plug-In Outlet TesterThis is the first tool I grab to troubleshoot a problem with outlet circuit wiring. This popular tester is also used by most inspectors to test for power and check the polarity of circuit wiring. It detects probable improper wiring conditions in standard 110-125 VAC outlets Provides 6 probable wiring conditions that are quick and easy to read for ultimate efficiency Lights indicate if wiring is correct and indicator light chart is included Tests standard 3-wire outlets UL Listed Light indicates if wiring is incorrect Very handy and easy to use.
Strip Off Wire Insulation without Nicking and Damaging the Electric Wire!The Wire Stripper and Wire CutterMy absolute favorite wire stripping tool that I have had in my personal electrical tool pouch for years, and this is the tool I use to safely strip electrical wires. This handy tool has multiple uses: The wire gauges are shown on the side of the tool so you know which slot to use for stripping insulation. The end of the tool can be used to grip and bend wire which is handy for attaching wire onto the screw terminals of switches and outlets.. The wire stripper will work on both solid and stranded wire. This tool is Very Handy and Easy to Use. |
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I am wanting to wire my compressor up on a on off switch. I have a heavy duty 30 amp switch. I know how to break contact on 120volt is it the same on 240volt? I tried to do it that way but the compressor will not come on. I have 240volt on both sides of the switch but I believe my problem is where it is regulated on the compressor can you help me out? Thanks for your time.
Hi Keith,
Yes, installing a switch to control a compressor is typically done using a 2-pole switch matching the amperage of the circuit, wiring the LINE and LOAD appropriately. As for the compressor not starting I would check to make sure it does not have high head pressure where it is starting too soon, but rather adjust the limit switch so the start pressure is allowed to be lower.
Dave
Was looking for a wiring diagram to re-hook up my compressor in my shop at home. I disconnected the wires from the pony panel( with the on /off switch on the side) There is a black and a red wire going into the connection box for the compressor ( 220 30 amp single phase ) Reconnected the ground wire to the compressor box. Now it doesn’t work. The motor was just rebuilt as it had stopped before this time and now I am trying to get it running again. If you can help with a simple wire diagram so I can try and see what I may have done wrong it would be e great help to me.
John
Hi John,
The standard 220 volt wiring for an air compressor includes no polarity for the red and the black wire, so you cannot wire them backwards. The disconnect switch should be a 220 volt 2 pole type for both circuit wires. Green earth ground is bonded throughout at the enclosures and the motor. I will make sure to create a wiring diagram soon.
I hope this helps you get your air compressor motor working.
Dave
I have a 4-wire cable with red, black, white and bare copper wires coming from the breaker that are used to power a dryer. Can I use this wire to power a 220 outlet for an air compressor? The outlet has two brass screws and one green. How would this be wired?
Thanks, Bob
Hi Bob,
I understand what you are asking, but lets consider everything involved.
First, we know that the dryer circuit is typically 240 volt 30 amps.
But what I don’t know is how large the air compressor is. If the air compressor requires a 30 amp circuit, then you could conceivably install a male plug on the end of the air compressor cord and use the dryer plug. However keep in mind that the outlet for the compressor should be readily accessible, and the cord length should be 12 feet or shorter. With this type of setup you will be able to operate one appliance at a time, either the dryer, or the air compressor, but never together at the same time.
If you find that the air compressor does not require a 30 amp circuit then you should not use the dryer circuit.
The best solution is to always install a separate dedicated circuit for the air compressor, this way you can run your appliances independently, have the correct electrical circuit protection and every one will be happy – (we hope!)
The 30 amp receptacle wiring connections for a dryer can be seen here.
I hope this helps you,
Dave
I have a 7.5 HP single phase IR compressor in the garage that I am trying to get power to. Unfortunately, the garage doesn’t have 220v and the general terrain around the garage would require some major expense and creativity to get a line there. I do have an old hot tub hookup on a double 50 amp circuit coming from the house that is unused. My thought was to add a weather tight box with a receptacle at the end of the old hot tub line, and then use a 6/3 industrial cable extension cord to reach to compressor and only plug it in when needed. As I know this is not an ideal solution, would it be an acceptable one?
Any advice will be appreciated.
Thank you.
Hi Eric,
Converting an unused 220 volt circuit as you are describing is OK as long as the circuit wiring has been identified and relabeled at the panel for the new intended use. The circuit breaker must be resized for the air compressor as well, so be sure to get the amp specs off of the motor label, which will state that the 7.5 hp 220 volt motor will require a 40 amp circuit, or the actual specs. The length of the cord for a portable air compressor should be no more than 20 feet long, and it would be best to locate the receptacle or point of attachment close to the air compressor.
I hope this helps,
Dave
What size of wire should be used to wire a 240 volt air compressor and what does it look like at the breaker box?
Hi Dave,
The size of the wire for your air compressor will depend on the HP horsepower rating of the motor. This information is provided on the air compressor motor, and the instruction manual will describe the circuit size that is required. When this information is identified then the circuit size and wire size may be determined. Please see the Electrical Wire page of the website for the Table which describes the wire sizes and circuit sizes.
Thanks for sharing your air compressor project with us,
Dave
I have a 2 Stage Air compressor that I am hooking up in my garage. It is a single phase 240 volt continuous duty motor, 3450 RPM, 23 amp, 60 hz. The Wiring is 10/2 with ground, connected to a double pole 30 amp breaker.
My question is about the circuit voltage. I checked the voltage with a Klein Multimeter, and it showed that I have 221 volts at the plug. Will the 240 volt motor work with the 220 volts residential power available?
I have a 4 wire plug outlet, and a new air compressor with a 3 wire plug. Is there an adapter that will let me use it without changing wires?
Hi Guy,
Yes, there are 4wire to 3wire cord adapters available. Be sure the voltage and amperage matches the specifications for your specific air compressor.
Be Safe,
Dave
I have a new Sanborn 80 Gal 240volt single phase 5.2 hp air compressor. In my house (new House) the electrician put in a 40 amp with 6gauge wire and a 30 amp with 8 gauge wiring, both, Black,Red,White and ground. The Compressor takes 26 amps and multiple more on start. I am thinking of using the 40 amp, but the Compressor only has a white and black along with ground, no red. It also has the connectors there and they say they must be used, connecting black and white. Question is, do I just go white to white, and black to black and ground to ground and cap the red? Thanks.
Hi Greg,
Here are a few things that should assist you when wiring a 240volt air compressor and circuit wiring:
Most 240volt air compressors in the U.S.A. do not require a neutral wire.
A “white wire” is typically used as a neutral wire with 120volt circuits.
If a air compressor can be wired for 120 or 240 volts this will be stated on the specification label or in the owners manual.
The default voltage of the air compressor must be identified so the circuit wiring may be configured properly.
The cord wiring to the connection terminals inside the motor must be identified to verify the existing voltage configuration, and then changes made if needed.
Important: If a new air compressor comes from the factory with a cord that includes a white wire then the motor is most likely wired for 120volts, however this should be verified.
Make sure the power circuit voltage and amperage is verified and meets the air compressors manufacturers specifications.
I hope this helps you,
Dave