Compressor wiring question.

[donthekawguy]

I got a compressor from Lowes. It's the 60 gallon 3.7 hp model. There is a sticker on the motor that says 230 volt only. I built a cord for it out of 12 gauge 3 strand cord like the instructions said. The cord is only 8 feet long and I plugged it into my outlet that I use for my dryer. The motor turns on but after about 15 seconds it starts clicking on and off. It seems when it gets a little air in the tank, and it starts to get a load on the motor is when it starts clicking on and off. I checked the breaker and it's a 30 amp if that helps. Could it be that the outlet is a 220 and it won't run right unless it gets 230? I have no idea what I'm talking about when it comes to household electricity but I do know to be safe so if anyone has step by step instructions on what to do I can do the job. Just please use layman's terms lol.

[donut]

220v or 230 shouldn't matter, (though an electrician may chime in and say otherwise)
I believe I'm running the same compressor, but I'm on a 40 amp dedicated circuit.
How many amps does the compressor call for?

Do you have a hot water heater or anything else wired on the same circuit?

I'm spitballing, it's been a few years since I wired mine, but you may get some more ideas

[donthekawguy]

The tag on the motor says 15.7 amps. The breaker is labeled dryer so I'm not sure if the water heater is on the same circut. I'll wait till it kicks on then shut off the breaker and see.

[100%Chevy]

Sounds like it's "single phasing" or just getting 120 volts instead of the full 240.Check your wiring!
I think you have the 3 wires in the wrong position in the cord plug or at the compressors pressure switch.
220,230 or 240 are all acceptable numbers as the power companys voltage is going to be with-in 10 percent of the voltage rating of equipment.
Mike.

[donthekawguy]

Is the L shaped prong on the plug the ground? I have the green wire connected to the L shaped prong and the black wire and white wire connected to the other two prongs that are angled.

[donthekawguy]

OK I got it figured out. I opened the plug and found that I had the ground wire hooked to one of the power prongs. Hearing "single phase" got me thinking and I found the issue. Thanx guys! Time for some sand blasting!

[ERASER5]

Originally Posted by donthekawguy

OK I got it figured out. I opened the plug and found that I had the ground wire hooked to one of the power prongs. Hearing "single phase" got me thinking and I found the issue. Thanx guys! Time for some sand blasting!

120 and 230 are always single phase. Always. Two leads of 120, 180° out of phase does NOT make 2 phase. The last 2 phase system was decomissioned back in the '80's. Putting 120 to the ground lug could have been deadly. Becareful out there.

[68c10airstream]

I tried sandblasting with my pressure washer and it is amazing. The cold water prevents warping of thin gauge, no dust, and cuts like mad. requires 3,000+ pressure washer and about $100.00 attachment. I got mine from watercannon.com. Check out youtube videos on waterblasting. Good luck