Professional Electrician Assistance Request

pala4058

Installed a 110V 20 amp breaker,1/2" emt out of the box (3 lin. ft.) to 3/4" pvc underground. I have a (160') maximum run to a 20 amp GFI. I used 12 guage conductors. Purchased a new Rolair electric air compressor with a big "f !@#% g" motor. The breaker trips when I attempt to operate the unit.. The unit is set up for 110/115V 20 amps. Do I need to pull 10 guage? Is 10 guage adequate? Any recommendations for an easy method to replace the 12 with 10? I have multiple 45 and 90 degree sweeps (line is buried 16"). I am also operating a window mount A/c unit and a low voltage light transformer (300 watt) on the same circuit .. I am sorry that I do not have amperage draws on the A/c or transformer.
Thanks for constructive input...

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Unless you are the lead dog, the view never changes.

Bkessler

YOu need multiple 20 amp circuits. That distance you need two hots a neutral and ground. And split up outlets on two separate circuits,

mickeyco

Why not add a fridge, toaster and hair dryer to "balance" out the load.


Voltage drop?


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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

mickeyco

There is a limit to the number of degrees of bend you can have between pull points. Pull out one of the existing wires, attach the two new wires to the one existing left (make a damn good connection), pull the new wire through, have someone feed if necessary.

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

mdshunk

I see your problems as being twofold:

1) You don't know how to do electrical work properly, safely, or professionally.
2) You did it anyhow.

Just from what you've written, I can say that you've overloaded one circuit, exceeded the degrees of total bend between pull points, and you havn't accounted for voltage drop. Additionally, because of the other items of the circuit, you've screwed yourself with regard to your ability to upsize the OCPD to take advantage of the special rules that apply to starting motors.

pudge565

I'll quote a bumpersticker i saw once. "Wiring is not a hobby hire a licensed electrician"

mickeyco

IBEW is running a campaign out here about not using unqualified electricians (anyone that is not union), the commercial is pretty bad, I'll see if I can find it.

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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

Magnettica

You wouldn't want to hire some of the union guys I work with.

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mickeyco

The guy with D's still gets his medical license.


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Some people climb mountains. I take out the trash. But we both do it for the same reason.

the catfish

Would'nt want to follow some of the non-union I've followed either. Think these craig's list guys are union?

CNC

Ok Constructive input, ill try.

-Calculate your voltage drop
-dedicate a 20A circuit to your compressor, why is it on a GFCI?
DIG UP ALL YOUR PIPE AND DO NOT EXCEED 360 degrees when you total your bends without a pull-box.

Read the NEC.

The guys are right, don't do it if you dont know how to, and then ask really obvious questions. (its very obvious you have overloaded the circuit) and butchered the install.
Hope this was constructive.

CNC

That explains my doctor at kaiser, i never thought of it like this! last time i went in, he googled what i thought was wrong with me. right in front of me! scary.