TM 5-3895-374-24-1
ELECTRICAL POWER REQUIREMENTS
ELECTRICAL WIRING
Refer to the air compressor’s serial label for the unit’s
voltage and amperage requirements. Ensure that all
wiring is done by a qualified electrician, In accordance
with the National Electrical Code. Use electrical conduit
to protect the wiring to the compressor, and between the
magnetic starter, pressure switch, and motor.
MAIN POWER PANEL
Provide circuit breaker or fuse protection at your main
power panel.
MAIN POWER DISCONNECT
Install a main power disconnect in the line from the panel
to the compressor. The disconnect must be located near
the compressor, for ease of use and safety. When
turned OFF, the disconnect shuts off all power to the
compressor. When it is turned ON, the compressor will
start and stop automatically, as directed by the pressure
switch.
USE A DEDICATED CIRCUIT
For best performance and reliable starting, the air
compressor must be installed on a dedicated circuit, as
close as possible to the electrical power panel. Low
voltage will cause difficult starting or an overload Low
voltage can be caused by a low supply voltage from the
local power company, other equipment running on the
same line, or inadequate wiring If any other electrical
devices are drawing from the compressor’s circuit, It may
fall to start.
Low voltage to the compressor can be caused by too
small a wire size for the distance between the
compressor and the power source. The longer the
distance, the larger the wire diameter must be, to
overcome the inherent voltage loss caused by the wire
resistance Refer to the National Electrical Code to
determine proper wire size for your circuit.
If the wiring Is not adequate, the voltage will drop from 20
to 40 volts at startup. Low voltage or an overloaded
circuit can result in sluggish starting that causes the
magnetic starter or circuit breaker to trip, especially In
cold conditions. Use time delay fuses on the circuit,
because the compressor will momentarily draw several
times its specified amperage when first started.
200-2009
(page 3-631)
