Sears air compressor throws breaker

[Chris Friesen]

If your motor was 100% efficient, 15.5A would give 5HP.

Since most 5HP motors draw around 20-21A, I suspect the specs on your compressor are somewhat optimistic.

Chris

[Bob S.]

What, you mean a manufacturer would make a misleading claim??? Naw....

[Eric9822]

Not sure how the manufacturer is defining Horsepower. But there is no way a 5 HP 110VAC or 220VAC single phase motor will run on a 15A circuit.

[Mike Dobony]

I have a 4hp compressor that requires a 30 amp breaker. Did you have to put a new standard plug on the cord or special outlet in the wall to plug this in? If so, you most likely did not put in a big enough breaker. Also, you cannot just put a bigger breaker in and the corect outlet. You will need to run 10ga wire to the outlet. standard 12ga is way to small!.

[Jerry8770]

Since it is running a few seconds, (like 10-15 seconds), might that indicate that the run capacitor is the culprit? I have no way to test the capacitors. It has 2, 1 of which is a G.E., (I think it is the run capacitor), & the other is a Mallory, (which I think is the start capacitor). I can find a replacement for the G.E., but I would have to replace the Mallory with a different brand. The Mallory is 400-480 MFD, 165 VAC, but the nearest replacement that I can find, w/o having to buy about $100 worth, is 400-480 MFD, 125 VAC.

Sears doesn't list the capacitors as replacements & the complete motor w/capacitors is $230. At that price I might as well buy a new compressor & tank.

Jerry

[Jerry8770]

It was the G.E run capacitor. I ordered one from , installed it & the compressor ran with no problem. Thanks to everyone for your suggestions.

Jerry

[camocs]

camocs had written this in response to

: Mallory 400-480MFD 165 VAC is BAD! Capacitor does not discharge properly! Check to see if the capacitor has a voltage charge after being plugged in (With Plug REMOVED FROM OUTLET!!!) Check Ohms of capacitor. It probable is open? The other Capacitor is probale good but check that one also!

Please remember that Ohms are checked with out current applied.

Anybody try this web page for the exact Capacitor? Probable Not Mallory!!!

Looks like they have the 400-480mfd 165vac that sears uses in the compressors. The part number is PSU 40065A or PSU40065A

Good Luck!!! Clark

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[PaPaPeng]

Missed this the first time round. I had that happen to me when I had too long an extension cord (to paint my fence). The voltage drop will pop the compressor's breaker.

[tom]

Had an old Sears compressor that would trip a 15 amp circuit but ran fine on a 20 amp circuit.

[camocs]

camocs had written this in response to

: Update to previous post from camocs:

Found the site that sells individual capacitors. There is a minimum order of $30 dollars. I bought two to avoid the surcharge of $14.83. Bill came out to 32.50 and with shipping came out to 41 bucks. I keep you posted if this is the fix!!! I have come across so many of these compressors that throw breakers and My girlfreind just bought a mini compressor from sears that did the same thing. I took it back for her and got a new one after opening three boxes to get one that wasn't dented or wasn't covered with oil or even having parts missing on an unopen box. This isn't the Quality Controled sears that I grew up? I have been using Craftsman gear for 35 plus years. It's insane that we live in a throw away world. Recycle those old compressor. Keep the Old Gear in shape and it should last a lifetime!!!

The website for the capacitor is Onlinecomponents.com. Search for PSU40065A. The PSU40065 is too long for this apllication.

Since I bought two, I probable will sell the second at a fair rate plus shipping if anyone is interested?

Good Luck Ya,All!!!

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