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Portable air compressor power cable extension mod

Discussion in 'Technical Chat' started by Rat_Bastard, Jul 11, 2021.

  1. Jul 11, 2021 at 6:14 PM
    #1
    Rat_Bastard

    Rat_Bastard [OP] Well-Known Member

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    A few years ago I bought a Smittybuilt portable air compressor off Amazon. It's a little larger than the average size compressor weighing in at about 20lbs. I decided to replace the power cables with a longer length (15 ft) and lower gauged wire. It was convenient because I only needed to run the power cable to the battery and the air lines to the tires without having to take the compressor out of the bed. Unfortunately, I think I burnt out the motor because I suspect I did not use a low enough gauged cable for the length I was running. What gauge cable should I use if I wanted to try this again (with a 15 ft. length) and new compressor?
     
  2. Jul 11, 2021 at 7:01 PM
    #2
    GSRON

    GSRON Well-Known Member

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    Quikfix seat risers and lic plate mount, MESO interior and stage 1 tails, glove box and console dividers, shelf for center console, FACTOR 55 hitch link, TC bed stiffeners, OE bed mat,
    How many AMPS does it pull?
     
  3. Jul 11, 2021 at 7:04 PM
    #3
    Rat_Bastard

    Rat_Bastard [OP] Well-Known Member

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    It draws up to 45amps according to the tag on the compressor
     
  4. Jul 11, 2021 at 10:48 PM
    #4
    PhenixFord

    PhenixFord Well-Known Member

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    #6 is good for 60A but I would probably use #4 just to be safe.
     
    Wyoming09 likes this.
  5. Jul 12, 2021 at 1:39 AM
    #5
    Wyoming09

    Wyoming09 Well-Known Member

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    What size wire did you use??

    Was the wire hot to the touch when the compressor was running??

    Any Thermal overloads on the Motor??

    myself I would go with #4AWG
     
  6. Jul 12, 2021 at 9:52 AM
    #6
    Rat_Bastard

    Rat_Bastard [OP] Well-Known Member

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    cables.jpg

    Cable on left was the replacement.
    I'm not sure what gauge I went with (although it was a thicker cable). One day the battery terminal sparked when connecting the ground, and the compressor motor started sputtering. Eventually it just stopped working. The cable was very hot.
     
    Last edited: Jul 12, 2021
  7. Jul 12, 2021 at 11:41 AM
    #7
    Grossomotto

    Grossomotto Complete 3rd Member

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  8. Jul 12, 2021 at 11:42 AM
    #8
    EatSleepTacos

    EatSleepTacos Well-Known Member

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    Question, why not just make the air hose longer? edit: reading is hard. I see now you left it in the bed.
     
    Rat_Bastard[OP] likes this.
  9. Jul 12, 2021 at 12:16 PM
    #9
    Rat_Bastard

    Rat_Bastard [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Grossomotto[QUOTED] likes this.

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