Any electricians here?
I want install a dedicated circuit in my garage to be used by an air compressors 120V. Does this circuit need to be a GFCI circuit? I know that large electric motors don't like GFCI circuits.
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As long as it is dedicated to the compressor it does not have to be a ground fault circuit. 0 -
If it is going to be above a concrete or dirt floor, it is supposed to have a GFCI on it. 0 -
A GFCI receptacle simply monitors for "leakage" of voltage through either leg, to ground,.........usually due to moisture, or defective insulation.
For what you are referencing,........I don't see the need, but a GFCI should not be affected by the momentary inrush, i.e. LRA draw of an air compressor.
They are cheap enough, so you make the choice.
Unfortunately codes vary by locality, but here, one would not be required.0 -
Be a man.... too much red tape in America ...wire it up how you want it.... If you get caught just say.."I knew I never should have hired those freaking Illegal Aliens to do the stinking wiring".... You know just like the President does!!!! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by jthoresen
I want install a dedicated circuit in my garage to be used by an air compressors 120V. Does this circuit need to be a GFCI circuit? I know that large electric motors don't like GFCI circuits.
What size is your compressor? a lot of the 2 hp & above are dual voltage and can be wired for 220v.
Don0 -
My 5hp compressor runs off a GFCI outlet on a 15 amp circuit. It is not dedicated and runs all the lights and other crap I do in the garage. Never had any problems. 0 -
normally you would use a ground fault for wet area's, outside or a bathroom/laundry room, if you're putting your compressor somewhere will it could get wet, then use it. If not, go with standard receptacles rated for the amperage of your compressor... most 120v compressors are 15 amps, some of the bigger ones are 20. check yours 0 -
Here is what I'm going to do; I'm going to wire up a GFCI receptacle for the air compressor. If the compressor trips the GFCI then I'll install a single non GFCI receptacle 0 -
Sounds good to me,.............it most likely will not trip it though![;)]
Edit: Also what Dongizmo said,.........if you have a dual voltage, run the 230 volt circuit. It will pull half the amperage.
It is just as easy to run a 230V, as a 120,.......assuming you have room in your panel.0 -
As I read the Electrical Code, GFIs are required within 6' of a sink, tub, or laundry tray, or outdoors.
Has this been changed?0 -
Who the hell cares about code? Wire it and let it go. Don 0 -
I always meet or exceed code requirements. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by Alpine
I always meet or exceed code requirements.
You are correct, but there are variances by jurisdiction of course,.........he doesn't need one though!0 -
If close to a sink or a whole wad of "rules" as per the NEC (National Electric Code). Get an electrician do it for you so its done right. That way if it burns your shed down you got somebody to blame. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by A J Christ
If close to a sink or a whole wad of "rules" as per the NEC (National Electric Code). Get an electrician do it for you so its done right. That way if it burns your shed down you got somebody to blame.
Yep, code was made for lawyers. Don0 -
Put the bleeping circuit in!!
With or without a GFCI.[:D][:D][}:)]
We don't need no stinkin' codes.0 -
If your name was "jthorsen" instead of "jthoresen" you wouldn't even think twice about building codes. Probably a Swedish or Finish name. Norwegians despise Building Code Nazis.
I say put the circuit in which ever way you please. Now that I think of it, I'm think about taking out the GCFI in my garage, just because I can. The little diaphragm air compressor from Sears doesn't appear to be bothered by the GCFI.0 -
I am a libertarian, I drive seventy five in the sixty five zone on the Interstate. I have torn the "do not remove" tags from mattresses. I have smoked, inhaled, and enjoyed it. I am a born rule breaker.
But....
There is a reason for the electrical codes. They will help you to keep your house from burning down, or to keep you from getting electrocuted.
Or, another take on it is, wire it up any way you want to, screw the code, a neighbor's kid comes over and gets electrocuted.
Then, police and lawyers will be over there taking pictures, and notes, concerning your crap wiring scheme.
When the smoke clears, your neighbor will own your house, your air compressor, and your one dollar non gfci receptacle.0 -
I suggested the GFCI,.......most don't realize how cheap they are.
I have them on things that are not necessary,.......but your point is certainly valid.
Codes are a pain, when a person in another state asks a question, and you reside in a different locale!0 -
If it was me, I'd install it on a GFCI, just for your safety. Code wise, it is supposed to be on a GFCI, but it will work either way. 0 -
A GFI is not to protect your shed from burning down, that is what the breaker in the panel box is for. A GFI is to protect you, the user. 0 -
quote:Originally posted by allen griggs
I am a libertarian, I drive seventy five in the sixty five zone on the Interstate. I have torn the "do not remove" tags from mattresses. I have smoked, inhaled, and enjoyed it. I am a born rule breaker.
But....
There is a reason for the electrical codes. They will help you to keep your house from burning down, or to keep you from getting electrocuted.
Or, another take on it is, wire it up any way you want to, screw the code, a neighbor's kid comes over and gets electrocuted.
Then, police and lawyers will be over there taking pictures, and notes, concerning your crap wiring scheme.
When the smoke clears, your neighbor will own your house, your air compressor, and your one dollar non gfci receptacle.
There is a BIG difference between code and lousy wiring. You can wire something safe and workable without using code. There are a lot of old buildings around that are not code but still have good electrical work. Don0 -
All receptacles in a garage must be GFI protected, unless it is a dedicated circuit for a piece of equipment. Just install a single receptacle not the duplex receptacle.(the kind you can only plug in one cord). 0 -
I'll find the code reference and get back to you. But this is what I would do. Install a simplex receptacle (room for just one thing to plug in) for the compressor. If you have room in the panel, and the compressor is capable of being hooked up 220V then I would hook it up 220V. It will use half the electricity, and use the same wire. The only difference is you will have to install a 2-pole breaker, and the proper 220V outlet.
Hey Marc1301, you better price a GFCI outlet, before saying they are cheap, they are probably 4 times the price of what he needs. 3-4 bucks vs. 10-12.0 -
Or move to where I live, we don't need (or have) no stinkin' codes!! 0 -
quote:Originally posted by matwor
I'll find the code reference and get back to you. But this is what I would do. Install a simplex receptacle (room for just one thing to plug in) for the compressor. If you have room in the panel, and the compressor is capable of being hooked up 220V then I would hook it up 220V. It will use half the electricity, and use the same wire. The only difference is you will have to install a 2-pole breaker, and the proper 220V outlet.
Hey Marc1301, you better price a GFCI outlet, before saying they are cheap, they are probably 4 times the price of what he needs. 3-4 bucks vs. 10-12.
I agree,........just that I still consider 10 to 15 bucks "cheap" for a one time thing![;)] I know what they cost,.......just replaced all of mine!
If he was replacing every receptacle with GFCI's,.......whole different ballgame there!0 -
Here is the code reference from the 2005 NEC (National Electric Code). This would be the code to work from, reason being they only come out every three years, and the 2008 has not been put into force yet.
Refer to 210.8(A)(2) exception 2
210.8 Ground-Fault Circuit-Interrupter Protection for Personnel.
FPN: See 215.9 for ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel on feeders.
(A) Dwelling Units. All 125-volt, single-phase, 15- and 20-ampere receptacles installed in the locations specified in (1) through (8) shall have ground-fault circuit-interrupter protection for personnel.
(1) Bathrooms
(2) Garages, and also accessory buildings that have a floor located at or below grade level not intended as habitable rooms and limited to storage areas, work areas, and areas of similar use
Exception No. 1 to (2): Receptacles that are not readily accessible.
Exception No. 2 to (2): A single receptacle or a duplex receptacle for two appliances located within dedicated space for each appliance that, in normal use, is not easily moved from one place to another and that is cord-and-plug connected in accordance with 400.7(A)(6), (A)(7), or (A)(8).
Receptacles installed under the exceptions to 210.8(A)(2) shall not be considered as meeting the requirements of 210.52(G)0 -
allen- I knew you were an outlaw! 0 -
Ground fault recepticals go on sale at harborfreight.com for around $5.
I use them in the garage for my compressor, all kinds of power tools, etc. No problems.0 -
allen- I knew you were an outlaw!
Mea culpa.0
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