How Many Amps Does an Air Compressor Use? [Revealed!]

If you’re in the market for a new air compressor, one of the questions that will come to your mind is, “How many amps does an air compressor use?”

In this blog post, we’ll take a look at air compressors and their typical amp draw so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for your needs.

How Many Amps Does an Air Compressor Use?

The amount of amps an air compressor uses can vary based on its size and power. In general, Smaller compressors might use around 10-15 amps, while larger ones could use up to 30 amps or more during startup.

The amp draw of an air compressor refers to how much current it draws from an electrical outlet. A higher amp draw means that more electricity is required to run the compressor, which can lead to higher energy bills. It also means that the compressor may trip circuit breakers more frequently.

Typically, the amps drawn by an air compressor upon startup differ from those drawn while running. Starting amps are usually much higher. For example, a 1.5 HP air compressor that uses 9 amps when running may need 40 amps to start. You can usually find this information either in your manufacturer’s manual or on its body.

How Many Amps Does a 110V Air Compressor Use?

Air compressors come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, but one of the most popular models is the 110-volt air compressor.

So, how many amps does a 110V air compressor draw? On average, a 110-volt air compressor will draw between 10 and 15 amps, meaning that it’s not going to be too heavy on your electricity bill each month.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that this number can vary depending on the specific model or make of your air compressor.

For example, some higher-end models may draw close to 20 amps, while others may only need 8 or 9 amps to run properly.

How Many Amps Does a 220V Air Compressor Use?

Using a 220-volt air compressor means that you’ll be able to use it on tougher projects. It can provide more power and handle more pressure than a standard 110-volt air compressor. But how much electricity does it use?

Just like any other appliance, the 220V air compressor uses a certain number of amps. The average 220 air compressor uses around 15 amps. It all depends on the model and make of the machine. Some models use 30 amps, while some can draw up to 40 amps on their highest setting.

How Many Amps Does a 12V Air Compressor Draw?

If you own or are considering purchasing a 12V air compressor, you may be wondering how much power it will draw. The answer depends on a few factors, but in general, a 12V air compressor will draw between 10 and 15 amps. The actual amount of current that your particular compressor draws will depend on its size and design.

For example, a smaller, portable air compressor may only draw 8 amps while a larger, industrial-size air compressor could draw 25 amps or more. Additionally, the type of motor used in the air compressor can also affect its power consumption. For instance, pancake models typically use between 7.5 and 10 amps.

What Causes High Amp Draw On an Air Compressor?

An air compressor is a vital part of many industrial and commercial operations, but they can be finicky machines. One common problem that can occur is high amp draw, which can lead to all sorts of issues if not addressed quickly. So, what causes a high amp draw on an air compressor?

There are actually a few different things that can cause this problem. The most common cause is a faulty start capacitor. A start capacitor is used to help the compressor motor start up by providing an extra boost of energy.

If the start capacitor is damaged or defective, it can cause the compressor to draw excessive amounts of current on startup. Another possible cause of high amp draw on startup is a loose or corroded connection. Make sure all electrical connections are tight and clean.

If you suspect a loose connection, have an electrician check it out as soon as possible. Excessive amp draw can also be caused by a restriction in the airflow through the compressor. This can be due to debris in the intake filter or a blockage in the air line.

Make sure the intake filter is clean and clear, and check for any kinks or restrictions in the air line. If you’re still having trouble pinpointing the cause of high amp draw on startup, it’s best to call in a professional technician for troubleshooting and repairs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Many Amps Does a 5Hp Air Compressor Use?

Most air compressors require about 5 horsepower to operate. This means that the average 5 hp air compressor will use around 20 amps.

However, this is only an estimate and the actual amount of power required may be more or less depending on the specific model and brand of air compressor.

How Many Amps Does a 60-Gallon Air Compressor Draw?

A 60-gallon air compressor typically draws 15 amps or more current. The actual amperage will vary depending on the specific model and how it is being used.

For example, if the compressor is being used to power tools that require a lot of air, it may draw more amps than if it is only being used to inflate tires.

How Many Amps Does a 20-Gallon Air Compressor Use?

The 20-gallon model typically draws about 15 amps. Depending on the model and use the actual amperage may slightly vary.

What Size Breaker Do I Need for a 60-Gallon Air Compressor?

When it comes to choosing the right size circuit breaker for your air compressor, there are a few things you need to take into consideration. First, you need to determine the maximum amperage draw of your compressor. This can be found in the owner’s manual or on the nameplate of the unit.

Once you have this information, you can choose a breaker that is rated for at least 125% of the maximum amperage draw of your compressor.

For example, if your compressor has a maximum amperage draw of 20 amps, you would need a 25 amp breaker.

Another thing to keep in mind is that breakers are not 100% efficient, so it is always best to choose a breaker that is slightly larger than what you need.

Read more: What Size Breaker for 3.7 HP Air Compressor?

What Size Breaker Do I Need for a 5 HP Air Compressor?

Assuming you are talking about a single phase 5 HP air compressor with 240V supply, you will need a 30-40 Amp breaker. If you have a three-phase 5 HP air compressor, you will need a 20-25 Amp circuit breaker.

Read also: What Size Breaker for 7.5 HP Air Compressor?

Summary

An air compressor uses a lot of electricity – anywhere from 15 to 30 amps. If you’re planning on running your air compressor off of a standard 120V household outlet, then make sure that the circuit breaker can handle the additional load.

Most standard home circuits are rated for 15 amps, so even if your air compressor is drawing 10 amps, then you’ll be close to maxing out the capacity of that circuit. This could cause the circuit breaker to trip and shut off power to your air compressor (and potentially other devices on that same circuit).

Therefore, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and choose an air compressor that has a lower amp draw rating.

Alternatively, you can use a dedicated circuit breaker rated for the specific voltage and amperage of your particular air compressor. This way you’ll avoid any potential problems and ensure that your air compressor will be able to run smoothly whenever you need it.