What kind of cable do I need for a 220 volts 15 amp a/c compressor?

Question

What kind of cable do I need for a 220 volts 15 amp a/c compressor?

Answer 1

It depends on how long of a run you have. The longer it is, the thicker the wire you need. There is a voltage loss in any wiring and motors need more amperage as the voltage goes down.

Sometime you see compressors hundreds of feet from the box on a construction site. Because of that, the question of length is important.

14 guage is rated for 15 amps, but that does not tell the entire story. 12 is always better for a power tool circuit. If it an extention cable, the length question is critical.

Answer 2

14/3 w/g will carry the load, but it would be better to use 12/3 w/g NMB ("Romex"), or 12/3 w/g armored cable.

(14 gauge is good for 15 amps, 12 gauge is good for 20 amps)

Answer 3

Chalie M is right

Answer 4

csnubl is right.

Answer 5

The 12/3 is almost right but since air compressors do vibrate the wire needs to be stranded and not solid

Answer 6

A 12/2 cable is sufficient for 220v and 15 amps, but to be safe you should go with a 10/2. It's always better to have more than heavy enough wiring. You may want to upgrde in the future and you are at your limit for 12/2 wiring. You wouldnt want to have to run the wire again.