answer 1
Most of the small compressors that run on 120VAC and have induction motors as opposed to motors with brushes have very high starting current, though briefly. In the shop I worked in we found that the starting surge could be as high as 35 amps. Thats over twice what the outlet rating is that you plug into. Even a 3000 watt generator with 3500 watt overload potential will have a struggle with that. Think of it this way, when you plug your compressor in the generator is motoring along putting out 120Volts atr zero amps (no load). Suddenly it has to accept a very high load and it almost stops running because it does not yet have the right fuel mixture to manage that load. It's quite a struggle to get up to speed. The best solution, if you need a portable compressor, is to buy a gas powered one from the start. Most have Honda engines on them which start easy and are dependable in the field. Even if you use an oil bath electric compressor from a wall outlet don't use an extension cord. If you must use an extension for some strange reason then make sure it's one that's got very heavy wire on it such as 12 gauge or better yet 10 gauge. You may find it cheaper to just buy more hose. That's what is recommended in all the compressor manuals. Don't use a generator unless is is a really big one of 10KW or more else you are asking for trouble. Good luck!
answered 1 year, 7 months ago
by
northernscout
- Victoria BC
answer 2
Depends on size. the formula to work this out is Volts Times Amps equals Watts. Get good headroom too as a cpompressor demands alot on start up.
answered 1 year, 10 months ago