How to Wire an Air Compressor that is Outside
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Installing 8o gal air compressor that requires a 30 amp breaker, Can I use a 50 amp hot tub GFCI breaker outside as a hook up? |
Wiring a Air Compressor with GFCI Protection
Electrical Question: I am installing a 8o gal air compressor that requires a 30 amp circuit breaker, Can I use a 50 amp hot tub GFCI breaker outside as a hook up?
Wiring a GFCI Circuit for a 240Volt Air Compressor
Craig asks: Installing 8o gal air compressor that requires a 30 amp breaker, I have a hot tub hook up that I don’t use anymore with a 50 amp GFCI box located outside and runs to the main breakers box, I have a 30 amp breaker I was planning on using in the main box.
My question is can I use the 50 amp GFCI breaker outside as a hook up or does it need to be the same size breaker as inside the main box? or should I get another breaker that’s not GFCI and use it as a shut off?. Wire is 6 gauge also.
Dave’s Reply:
Thanks for your electrical wiring question Craig.
240Volt Air Compressor with GFCI Protection
Application: Change the Wiring from a Hot Tub to a Air Compressor with GFCI Protection.
Skill Level: Intermediate to Advanced – Best performed by a Licensed Electrical Contractor, or Certified Electrician.
Electrical Tools Required: Basic Electricians Pouch Hand Tools, Voltage Tester, and appropriate Safety Gear.
Estimated Time: Depends on the personal level experience, ability to work with tools, install electrical circuit wiring, and the available access to the project area.
Electrical Safety: Identify the electrical power source to the GFCI Outlet, turn it OFF and Tag with a Note before working with the electrical wiring.
Electrical Wiring Parts and Materials: Electrical parts and materials for the GFCI Outlet should be approved for the specific project and compliant with local and national electrical codes.
Electrical Codes and Inspections: Installing or changing home electrical wiring should be done according to local and national electrical codes as adopted in your specific area of Washington. A permit and inspections may also be required.
Wiring a Air Compressor in a Back Yard
This electrical wiring project is about Changing the Wiring from a Hot Tub GFCI to a GFCI for an Air Compressor in the Back Yard of a Old Home.
Air Compressor Disconnect and GFCI Protection
- Craig, from what you have described, the circuit breaker nearest the air compressor should be a 30amp breaker as it will be serving an air compressor that requires 30amps.
- The 50amp breaker at the main panel for the old hot tub panel can remain as a 50amp but it should be relabeled for the Air Compressor.
- This panel and the air compressor is located outdoor, therefore it requires ground fault protection, therefore it would be best if the breaker in the main panel is a GFCI which will provide ground fault protection for the whole circuit.
- Anytime we are providing power to a device or equipment that is located outdoor, or an electrical cord from the equipment that is leading outdoor then it must have GFCI protection.
- It would be best to place the air compressor in a covered or sheltered enclosure to protect it from the outdoor elements.
See More about How to Change the Wiring a GFCI Outlet
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