Just got 1 HP Sears 12 gal. compressor, keeps tripping breaker when plugged in 15 amp circuit. Why? Advice?

Question

Compressor is in great cond., I'm not running anything else on the circuit.......is this thing pulling more than 15 amps? Can I boost at the panel to 20 amps or more? Should I locate a 20 amp circuit from the panel and plug into that?

Answer 1

Apparently the startup kick trips a 15 amp circuit.  I'd run a new 20 amp circuit, using #12 wire.  That should fix the problem.  

Be sure to not run the compressor on an extension cord, no matter what size circuit.  It's much better to run more hose and plug directly into the receptacle.  Hope this helps.

Answer 2

Air compressors need 20 amps to run without problem. If you are only running that off the one breaker it will be ok to upgrade it to a 20 amp breaker although it is recommended that the wire be number 12-2 wire number 14-2 will be ok as long as just the air compressor runs off it.

Start up on a typical air compressor can exceed 15 amps when starting under load.

Answer 3

first-Find out the rating on your air compressor.  Now do what you are thinking.  You can't put a 20 amp circuit breaker in the place of 15 amp circuit breaker.  You might have 14-2 wires on them and you'll melt the wires if you do.  You are right about finding a 20 amp circuit from the panel and plugging into that.  Still the compressor is drawing a lot of power.  I'd be looking a little closer at that.