Plumbing a workshop & wiring a compressor

by Greg

Two questions:

I'm going to wire my garage for a CH Farmhand (7HP/60gal/135max/10.3@90).

Will 10-3 be enough,(which I have a lot of) or should I go buy 8-3?

What type of material should I plumb with? Copper is my favorite, but it's expensive enough that I'd like to go different.

Will plastic be strong enough, and won't iron rust?

Probably 20 hours a week, and I'll use all three filter types so I can grind, blow, and paint in the same day.

Thanks for taking the time to respond.

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Bill answers....

Hi Greg:

First off, I'm not an electrician, so I suspect you'd best check with your local electrical folks about the requirements of using heavier versus lighter wire. You don't indicate what voltage your unit will be running at, but my guess is that if it's 200 AMP than 10-3 should be lots, but again, better check with someone who makes their living handling electricity.

What to plumb with?

If your budget can stand it, why not copper? Doesn't rust, easily sweated, leak-proof when installed properly, and it will give you years and years of use.

Realistically, it's the high cost of alternative that drives installers to using black iron pipe, even though it will rust, and over time, create problems for downstream air driven equipment.

Polyethylene tubing is rated for compressed air up to industrial pressures. Trouble is, it's not readily available in over 1/2 O.D.

In your shoes, and for the best value, why not go with RVC (rubber / vinyl hose)? It's rated for air, plumbs easily with barbed fittings and gear clamps, wont rust, bends easily, lots of things going for it.

Cheers,

Bill