Extension lead for 3hp Air compresser

[angelo909]

hi guys please help if you can. Im in rented property and there is a small shed without power 20m from the house. I need to run the compresser (3hp 150l fiac workhorse) from inside the shed but I realise most extension leads wont be heavy enough duty.
Is there any solution using different cable combinations that will help me power the compressor from the 13amp socket 20m to the shed please?

 

[pedrobedro]

Run it in the house and get a long air line

 

[angelo909]

hiya thanks for the reply this just isnt possible it takes up too much room in the kitchen and is too close to the other residents! is there any electrical solution please?

 

[MattH]

Get some masterfit plugs and make one up with either 4mm or 2.5mm heavy duty flex.
I made some up with 4mm and it will go in the masterfit plugs.

 

[angelo909]

sorted cheers matt just what I wanted to hear thank you!

 

[angelo909]

Get some masterfit plugs and make one up with either 4mm or 2.5mm heavy duty flex.
I made some up with 4mm and it will go in the masterfit plugs.

hi matt Ive just ordered 20m of 4mm arctic cable but is there a link you could provide for suitable plugs please I cant find the masterfit type on google

 

[daedalusminos]

You could fit 16A plugs/sockets to the cable and then buy some 16A to 13A flying lead adaptors, or at least fit a 16A plug to the compressor and one adaptor for the house end.

 

[angelo909]

good call I can see where that will fit. ill keep searching for plugs thank you. should I change the cable on the compresser too up the 4mm?

 

[MattH]

Just checked, they are branded Parmaplugs and take 2.5mm max.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_sacat=0&_nkw=Permaplug&rt=nc

2.5mm H07RN:
https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_...&_trksid=m570.l1313&_nkw=2.5mm+ho7rn&_sacat=0

 

[fizzy]

My Clarke 3hp runs ok on a normal 13amp long extension lead - obviously fully unwound!

 

[angelo909]

ah ok is 4mm impossible to wire into heavy duty 13amp plug then? do I do the whole 16amp to 13 convert with relevant plugs or just drop to 2.5mm and go from there?
thanks for all replies so good of you all to help.

 

[julianf]

I have a fiac 3hp. It's impossible to run off an extension here - but, curiously, I have at other locations.

My solution was to replace the short flex on the machine with a long 2.5mm flex. 2.5 is about the max I could get into the compressor terminals, and into a domestic plug.

I have a pre 'whenever it was' plug on it with the full brass live and neutral. And I think I have a 15 amp fuse in the plug.

 

[angelo909]

I have a fiac 3hp. It's impossible to run off an extension here - but, curiously, I have at other locations.

My solution was to replace the short flex on the machine with a long 2.5mm flex. 2.5 is about the max I could get into the compressor terminals, and into a domestic plug.

I have a pre 'whenever it was' plug on it with the full brass live and neutral. And I think I have a 15 amp fuse in the plug.

ah that sounds great. how did you get a 15amp fuse into 13amp plug are they the same size?

 

[Mattuk]

13amp should be more than enough for that compressor. ( you can get a lot more than 13amp through a 13amp fuse, ask a local soundman )
The problem you have with a longer run is not current, but voltage drop, which you get over with larger cross sectional area on the copper. I like the 4mm suggestion.

Make a short fly lead. 13a to 16a ceeform with 2.5mm cable
13a plug - https://www.screwfix.com/p/13a-tough-plug-black/68744
16a ceeform socket - https://www.10outof10.co.uk/acatalog/16A-CONNECTORS.html

then your run long enough to get into the garage / shed with the 4mm cable and a 16a socket and plug

to get back to something with a more recognisable outlet on it grab one of these
16 Amp -> 13 Amp "Cube" Adaptor PCE (9433103)
20 - IN STOCK
or something similar.

You could also make a 16amp ceeform plug to 13amp socket
https://www.toolstation.com/shop/p9...MIsvPV78KP3QIVsQrTCh2GiAflEAQYAiABEgJf__D_BwE


Whilst the 16a connectors make things a little more inconvenient when setting up you are able to plug them together and not worry about a little rain as much as a 13a plug and socket.

Hope that helps.
Cheers
Matt

 

[angelo909]

that helps me out a treat. matt legend
thank you so much!

 

[oddbob]

Might be a bit late if you've already bought cable, but I've just bought one of these Clarke CCR26 25m extension reel using 2.5mm2 cable/flex.

 

[Mattuk]

that helps me out a treat. matt legend
thank you so much!

Your welcome

 

[fizzy]

Might be a bit late if you've already bought cable, but I've just bought one of these Clarke CCR26 25m extension reel using 2.5mm2 cable/flex.

I have an identical one - works fine - always use fully unwound of course!

 

[Mattuk]

This is HO7 6mm in a 16a PCE socket ( 4mm will be a very comfortable fit )

 

[angelo909]

Thanks mate im really getting somewhere now. very grateful