[quote]
On 2004-03-11 15:23, n2omike wrote:
Electrically speaking...
1hp = 746 Watts
---------------------
Volts x Amps = Watts
so,
Watts/Volts = Amps
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5hp = 746 x 5 = 3730 Watts
3730W/120V =
31 amps
---------------------
5hp = 31 amps!
My garage breaker (rated at 20 amps) has no problem running my
5hp 120V Coleman Powermate air compressor. In fact, I can run several other items at the same time while it is on. If you've got
any 120V electric motor rated at 5hp... don't believe for a second that it's putting out 5hp.
Hell, for that matter,
consuming 5hp worth of electricity (31 amps) is not the same as producing a 5hp output. No motor is 100% efficient. A 120V motor would probably have to consume at least 40 amps to put out a true 5hp.
You ever wonder why those OLD electric motors that you couldn't even lift were rated at around 2hp? It's because they were rated properly.
If you want a STRONG air compressor, purchase a
240V unit with a
2-stage pump. Single stage 120V units can't hold a candle to them in real life. Sure, the 120V units are fine for blowing up tires and running air wrenches.... but if sand blasting and rotary tools like die grinders, sanders, and drills (air hogs) are part of your plan, you'll have to step up... Or you'll spend more time waiting than grinding. Trust me. Been there, done that!
Good Luck!
_________________
Mike Burch, 66 mustang real street
302 4-speed 289 heads, 10.63 @ 129.3
http://www.mustangworks.com/cgi-bin/moi-display.cgi?220
http://www.fortunecity.com/silverstone/healey/367
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