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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

What is SPL horsepower for an electric motor?

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Brad

05-23-2004 08:37:33




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I bought a really nice 60 gallon air compressor and am getting the wiring ready for it. The instructions say to use a minimum of #10 wire. The label on the motor says 17.3 amps, which must be about 3.5 horsepower, but the horsepower is rated as SPL. I can't find a definition for SPL in any book I have.

A motor pulling 17.3 amps running would pull about 45 amps starting, requiring a 45 or 50 amp breaker. But, #10 wire takes a 30 amp breaker?! What in the world does SPL mean?

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Keith

05-24-2004 23:28:58




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 Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric motor? in reply to Brad, 05-23-2004 08:37:33  
There is a class action lawsuit going on against most of the major compressor manufactures for their misrepresentation on how they rate the electric motors used on their compressors. They are using start surge HP as a rating on the motors. I think I have the website saved in my bookmarks, If I can find it will POST.

A nickel's worth



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Dusty

05-24-2004 05:32:29




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 Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric motor? in reply to Brad, 05-23-2004 08:37:33  
Motors were rated at the power they could put out while not doing damage to the motor, now some motors are rated at it's the power that they put out just before they stall. What good is a motor that put out its full HP and now is dead?

Dusty



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buickanddeere

05-24-2004 11:29:55




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 Re: Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric mot in reply to Dusty, 05-24-2004 05:32:29  
It's a cheap way to sell a 6.5 Peak HP air compressor to 99% of John Q. Public. Who think they are getting more than a 2.0HP compressor motor. I wonder if the compressor is belted up to make 6.0+ HP for the last few minutes before the pressure switch opens? Continuous duty would be out of the question for spraying etc.



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buickanddeere

05-23-2004 15:00:16




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 Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric motor? in reply to Brad, 05-23-2004 08:37:33  
Code book specs for 17.3 running amps is a 175% larger breaker or 30.0amp for short circuit protection. Remember short circuit protection is NOT overload protection. That's the thermals at usually 115% of nameplate running current. Wire size would be #10 copper or larger depending on length. Starting current could be anywhere from 4 to 12 times nameplate running current. Depends on motor design. It's listed by the "code" number and converted from a chart in the electrical code book.

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Bob

05-23-2004 10:26:49




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 Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric motor? in reply to Brad, 05-23-2004 08:37:33  
SPL means "SPECIAL". Compressor manufacturers have used all kinds of tricks with HP ratings.

I have a compressor with identical amp retings, and it has run fine for years with a 30 amp breaker.

Remember, the compressor will have an "unloader" for easy starting.



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Brad

05-23-2004 10:50:00




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 Re: Re: What is SPL horsepower for an electric mot in reply to Bob, 05-23-2004 10:26:49  
Thanks, Bob. That sets my mind at ease.



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