extension lead to run a 3hp compressor

[normspanners]

PS
If i dont change the oil, it keeps popping the O/L and eventually weakens it so that it pops every time they have a limited life . So much so I keep them in stock now.
That also puts a LOT of strain on the start cap.
Also my compressor is in the house ok an unheated room but still in the house !!

 

[shed or dead]

30 -40ft is a significant distance. I (am not an electrician) would personally buy a reel of 4mm or 6mm cable if funds allow, fit socket and trailing end etc as advised, then you have it already for when you wish to have a proper installation in the shed, if you think that day will eventually come.

Thicker cables wont nicely mate with a plug etc but you could use terminal blocks (in a housing available from screwfix) to reduce down to 2.5mm at each end. This will of course reduce your current carrying capacity to that of a 2.5mm cable but my comment is only intended to save you money in the long run IF you are planning a proper supply to the shed. If not, then please disregard.

Just to be clear, I am not an electrician, others who have offered advice are pro's. And, it is dangerous stuff, in many ways.

If in doubt, don't bother.

What you needing the compressor for btw? anything fun?

 

[normspanners]

It is said, that you shouldn't put engine oil in compressors but on a job at the boat a long time ago 18mths or so, summer anyway, the compressor got knocked over and the oil came out i had no oil so put syth engine oil in it ran fine, even into the winter (coz I forgot) I then changed the oil, the container just said compressor oil, I cant remember what grade but it was winter then, and had starting issues, so had to get some more specific light grade oil for it to start happily, as said I change it each year about november and when drained it usually seems to have thickened up.
But the syth engine oil was fine well into winter???

 

[Gareth J]

Thinking outside the box. A roll of blue alcathene will cost a similar amount to your heavy duty power cable. They are good for 150psi (or just over?). Put the compressor in your kitchen plugged into the cooker socket and take the air to your shed!

 

[jacksparrow]

Thinking outside the box. A roll of blue alcathene will cost a similar amount to your heavy duty power cable. They are good for 150psi (or just over?). Put the compressor in your kitchen plugged into the cooker socket and take the air to your shed!

that won't be happening

 

[normspanners]

Thanks for the thought johnser,
unfortunately the op seems to not like our answers or help.

 

[Gareth J]

that won't be happening

Don't be so defeatist. It'll fit under the sink. Think of all the extra space you'll have in the shed!

 

[Pete.]

Thanks for the thought johnser,
unfortunately the op seems to not like our answers or help.

I can't believe you guys are even bothering to continue with it. Four pages of help and not a single please or thank you, just curt responses. It's like talking to a sulky child.

 

[normspanners]

I can't believe you guys are even bothering to continue with it. Four pages of help and not a single please or thank you, just curt responses. It's like talking to a sulky child.

Thanks Pete,
I'm not ---

bothering to continue with it.

I was thanking johnser only!!

 

[Kent]

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

I am not being sarcastic! What your doing is exceeding the current design brief given to the spark who wired the place- it needs modifying to cope ITS THAT SIMPLE and I don't mean bypassing a plug fuse with something that might do some serious damage to the cable or worse

 

[normspanners]

Helping, gives you a nice warm feeling doesnt it ---------- but some times a little like p*****g yourself.