Ignoramus6609 wrote:
I just bought this used compressor, which seems to be in a nice shape
and runs okay, as far as I could tell.

http://igor.chudov.com/projects/CurtisCompressor/

I am going to connect it to this subpanel:

http://igor.chudov.com/tmp/subpanel/

The compressor is rated 16 amps at 220 volts and has a pump release
for startup. That means that it has EASY starts and NOT HARD starts.

I have 3 questions.

1. Can I connect it to electricity with a regular 20A 220V plug, and
use regular flexible 10-12 gauge wire?

2. I have some nice AC switches/breakers, from a big UPS, 40 amp
rated, can I install one on the compressor to serve as a power switch?
This compressor does not have a power switch, and I would hate it to
turn itself on in the middle of the night, or during the day to
startle someone who might be in the garage. At the same time, I feel
that pulling the plug is not a good solution.

3. Is there some smart autodrain device that I could install in place
of the drain plug?

Thanks!

i




Put those two 20A/240V outlets at the panel on the same breaker, and use
the other 20A 2-pole breaker for your compressor. Either hardwire it,
or install another outlet right by the compressor and plug it in with a
short cord. Use the breaker for a switch -- just switch it off when the
compressor motor is not running. When you switch it on, the motor will
start up, but that's OK because the compressor has an unloader valve and
the motor will not have to start under much of a load.

Bob