Compressors/Generators

[MikeG]

I am new to the Forum...and all I can say is You all are the BEST!
I've read and re-read numerous posts for over a year in anticipation of building my own micro-cabin for hunting purposes. Then I thought about dealing with a shed/cabin maker and just having one delivered to expedite the process....almost made that a reality.

Now I'm back to building something small myself, to dedicate the savings to vacation plans ( my wife is good at making vacation plans 2 years out....Europe this Fall; maybe Argentina wine country  next summer); of course, I want to go also.

So anyway...I should have asked first:

Home Depot has a Huskey 4 gallon; 14 Amp  air compressor with framing nailer and trim nailer on sale; so I bought one.  At only 199 dollars, I thought it'd speed up construction on a 10 x 15 Henry David Thoreau type cabin; particularly if I had limited help.  I thought to be sure my Honda E2000 or Honda 5000 generator would power it.  Imagine my surprise when I called Husky today...( with an extremely long wait time for service) and was told I needed a 14,400 watt generator to power it!

Does this sound accurate?

And then I search the internet and see it is not recommended to run an air compressor off of a generator; that a gas powered air compressor is suggested.

So now I'm looking at either returning it (or keep it for around the house); get some service work done on a Paslode framing nailer that was given to me; or running a 100 foot cord (appropriate gauge) from the property next door.

What do you think about running an air compressor from a generator?  Does this one really need 14,400 watts?

On the other hand, no bigger than a 10 x 15 is, hammer and nails will probably work.
I'm only 12 miles from HD; I can return the unit.
MikeG

[glenn kangiser]

Sounds like Husky is trying to avoid all liability to me.

My 15A DeWalt compressor easily starts and runs on my 8000 watt welder generator.  We do that all the time.  As I remember it also started and ran off my 3000 watt welder generator, but one of the guys that works with me has it now, so I can't check it for you..

I would just hook it up and try it on the generator carefully watching to see that it:

1.  Starts unloaded without too much hesitation --- dragging on a start due to lack of sufficient capacity on the generator can burn the motor out, although it should have thermal overload protection - maybe a reset switch also.

2.  After it starts and builds up to pressure, leave it plugged in with the generator operating and drain down the air enough so it will restart  under load.  When the compressor restarts under load it will be at maximum current draw for starting.  See how your generator handles that and make sure the compressor kicks in and runs -- not staying in start mode and dragging.  If it drags on it will overheat the compressor and may damage it.  Then you would need a larger generator.  

120v x 15A = 1800 watts but -- compressors can pull ten times that or more to start.  It all depends on the ultimate - usually unpublished ultimate load handling capacity of your generator for starting.  If you have the capability - checking running voltage could be a good idea.  Low voltage is a killer of motors.

[Kevin]

I have a Porter Cable 4 gal compressor and I run it with no problems with my Coleman 5000W Gen.
Kevin

[MountainDon]

None of the compressor manufacturers seen to want tp print the max starting power needed; can be frustrating. Like Glenn said it sounds like Husky is just being certain to CTA very well.  Since you already have the generators I'd give it a try and listen very carefully to the air comp and generator when ithe air comp starts. First try it with an empty tank. Then if that's okay bleed off some air and see how it handles the restart with pressure already built up.  

Is that Husky 4 gallon a "pancake"type. I have a Porter Cable C2002.  http://www.deltaportercable.com/Products/ProductDetail.aspx?ProductID=17019
The manual states it requires 10 amps to run, no statement as to starting current. I run it with no problem at all off my Yamaha EF2800i inverter generator at 8800 ft. elevation. It doesn't even falter a bit when starting. However, it's a problem if the RV A/C unit or microwave is running already.

My larger shop compressor will not start off the Yamaha when there's already some pressure in the tank.  The larger compressor will start off my 5000 watt (rated load, not the more commonly advertised surge rating) generator down at 5000 feet but complains up at 8800 feet.
 
(Don't know where you are MikeG, but altitude reduces power output of any engine by about 3% per 1000 feet.  

G/L

[glenn kangiser]

I have noted on my inverter meters, that my 220v 1 1/2 hp pump pulls 11 amps running but momentarily pulls 55 amps starting.

[peter nap]

If you do have trouble with it starting with pressure in the compressor and you want to use the generator, you can make a box that both the generator and compressor plug into. Wire a large start capacitor across the circuit. That will soften the load considerably/ The cap will recharge instantly when the compressor reaches operating speed.

[MikeG]

I knew I should have asked!

It's a "twinstack", not a "pancake"...altitude isn't an issue where I'd use it in  Central Virgina (200-500 feet above sea level)...and certainly wouldn't be here on the coast.

Have returned it...just waiting for the heat to break and then a couple guys with hammers can get to work on getting a micro-cabin framed and dried in....

Thanks for the responses.
MikeG