Power mains question: wire gauge

Air compressor 1/2 hp motor rated 220v (2-wire, not 3-phase) @ 15A. Distance
from load panel ~100 ft (as the conduit runs).

15A can be handled by 14 gauge, but I'd normally go with 12 gauge due to
start current.

With such a distance, is it recommend to up-scale the wire to 10 ga?

Thanks.

 

Cant hurt. It would definitely help, in fact. multiple #14s to make
each #10 would work better, keeping each segment electrically separated
except at the nodes, giving a sort of Litz effect. At that gauge, you
can get SPC too (Silver Plated Copper), reducing ohms per foot without
increasing gauge above #10.

And you want a #12 return run for ground fault carriage too.
A single piece would pop a breaker.

 

"DaveC"

** Giant HUH ??

Such a motor normally draws around 3 amps.




.... Phil

 

considered what the skin deepth at 60Hz is?....

-Lasse

 

There is s thing called "voltage drop". Voltage will drop in a wire
running a long distance, sometimes so much, the device at the end will
not operate!

The amount of voltage drop depends on the voltage, the type of metal
used for the wire (copper / aluminum), the wire size, and the load in
amperage at the end of that wire.

The internet has made this easy for you. Just search google.com for the
words...

Voltage Drop Calculator

 

Until the motor or compressor is replaced with a larger unit. Then

That's a good idea. I'll talk it over with the owner.

But for now I want to settle on what size conductor to use if it's just to
supply this one compressor.

Thanks.

 

If it's 1/2HP, now, it's unlikely to grow to >5HP.

Run several #12s, instead, when needed. It's cheaper.

 

Run several #12s, instead, when needed. It's cheaper.

Pull additional #12s in the future? I've had bad experience pulling
additional conductors in a conduit with existing conductors.

If I misunderstand your statement, please try again. ;-)

Thanks.

 

No. A bundle of a few 12s will make a nice oversized #10.
The finished 'wire' will be stronger and more flexible too.

Of course, the return has to match. So you pull all 7 at once.

Two sets of 3 #12s and one #12 fault return. Seven wires.

 

I've seen a *lot* of 1/2HP motors used for power tools that can be
wired either way.

Rather irrelevant.

I always do it the right way. The "right way" depends on the
situation. I guess the "right side" is universal, though, but it's
also right.

It's a *lot* cheaper. #6 is a PITA to work with. No thanks!

Now you're throwing in random costs.

 

OK, 300K.

 

How about run what you need now with a pull string included?

 

Sure. Most small fractional horse induction motors can be.

 

I think we have a winner!

 

Hey, you never know how big of a compressor you might need.

 

100 feet of AWG 6 will set you back some C-notes. That's an expensive
investment if you don't need it.

Rick

 

What utter idiot suggested #6?

 

It's also a sweaty PITA to pull.. ( I ran some to a manly (for single
phase) compressor and kiln).


Best regards,
Spehro Pefhany

 

a larger compresser is likely to have a soft start where the pump
compression is releived come on until it's up to speed.