extension lead to run a 3hp compressor

[Kent]

well i have a 3hp 150l sip compressor single phase that i was using in my unit perfectly fine, had to give up my unit so the compressor is in my shed, the shed is at the bottom of the garden with no electical supply to it, i've tried the compressor using an extension lead, the compressor tries to start but then it trips the power inside the house

i can't really afford to have proper mains power put into my shed at the minute so need a temporary solution, anyone have any links to decent extension leads or other items so that it doesn't trip the power out in the house

Its the start up load that is higher than the running, sometimes its substantially higher. You need a good spark on site to sort this one I suspect otherwise you chasing you could end up chasing your tail. Were are things connected what is the load already on things back at the house, I am no spark but you wont fix this without someone looking at the existing wiring and fusing I suspect. You might need to hire or buy a smaller or engine driven, do some alterations to the wiring at the house who knows.

 

[jacksparrow]

the house does not need any wiring doing, the whole house was re wired less than 2 years ago

 

[the snooper]

the house does not need any wiring doing, the whole house was re wired less than 2 years ago

the breakers they fitted may not be suitable for the inrush of the compressor starting up, before doing anything try preheating the compressor it may work you have nothing to lose and a few quid to save

 

[jacksparrow]

but i shouldn't have to heat up the compressor to get it to run, previous to having the compressor in my unit, i had it exactly where it is now in my shed using the same extension lead as i have now and it worked perfectly fine

 

[the snooper]

but i shouldn't have to heat up the compressor to get it to run, previous to having the compressor in my unit, i had it exactly where it is now in my shed using the same extension lead as i have now and it worked perfectly fine

that is true but it sounds like your workshop had a stronger power supply then your house and your breakers are not supplying the start up amperage needed

 

[jacksparrow]

the unit did have a stronger power supply, but the compressor previously worked perfectly fine in my shed for 6+ months before moving it to the unit

 

[the snooper]

the unit did have a stronger power supply, but the compressor previously worked perfectly fine in my shed for 6+ months before moving it to the unit

was that 6 summer warmer months

 

[jacksparrow]

no it was october-april

 

[the snooper]

no it was october-april

well you need to work out what has changed and whether those months were warmer then our current winter, 2013 - 2014 was warmer, was your house breakers the same back then ? did you use the same cable ?

 

[brightspark]

take the compressor over to your house and run it on a short lead see if u have any bother and what happens if the breaker goes in the house what size is it in amps and what type b curve maybee its stamped on the breaker what type

 

[jacksparrow]

well you need to work out what has changed and whether those months were warmer then our current winter, 2013 - 2014 was warmer, was your house breakers the same back then ? did you use the same cable ?

similar temperatures, same breakers, same extension lead

 

[jacksparrow]

take the compressor over to your house

easier said than done moving it on my own

 

[lbulloc2]

the unit did have a stronger power supply, but the compressor previously worked perfectly fine in my shed for 6+ months before moving it to the unit

Was that before your house was rewired?

 

[the snooper]

similar temperatures, same breakers, same extension lead

start testing then as it sounds like you will waste your cash on a new lead if the lead you have now, previously ran the compressor without problems

 

[jacksparrow]

Was that before your house was rewired?

after

 

[Kent]

the house does not need any wiring doing, the whole house was re wired less than 2 years ago

And you said to the electrician " I want to run my 3HP compressor out at the shed, from that plug through an extension" ? I wasn't saying your wiring was old. I did this place complete we also had new supply to the meter from the nearest pylon and have a three / four year old SWA 10mm2 in out to the workshop, I have had no issues but have just spent £200 on 50mtrs of thicker stuff to wire direct as I am fitting more kit out there (that wasn't on the orig spec)
I am saying you cant just add on what and how you choose

 

[jacksparrow]

I am saying you cant just add on what and how you choose

if you're not going to help, keep your sarcastic comments to yourself

 

[brightspark]

 

[normspanners]

If the compressor ran there before then it sounds as if the start cap is getting tired it may have just started at the unit but as the supply was good it masked the problem , now you are limiting the supply and a few volts drop makes a big difference
especially if at the unit the weather was warmer now you have low volts low temp thick oil, all pittting against that poor tired cap.
My compressor is on auto but this morning it popped the 15A O/L because I havnt changed the oil yet, I usually do it this time of year fresh thin oil to help the motor start.

 

[octo0072000]

if you're not going to help, keep your sarcastic comments to yourself

i don't see any sarcasm i see people trying to help you