Connecting two compressors for more volume?

BobReeves · Nov 25, 2005

When I bought my present air compressor I was renting and the only outlets available in the garage were 110. I bought the largest 110 volt compressor I could find which was 3 HP. It really isn't big enough and can't afford to buy what I really want. Is it possible to connect two smaller compressors together to get the equivalent of big?

The 5 HP compressor Soundguy mentions in the cheap tool alert is far more affordable. If I connect my 3 HP and a 5 together will I get the CFM's of both added or is this a bad idea????

Bob

Syncro · Nov 25, 2005

<font color="blue">Is it possible to connect two smaller compressors together to get the equivalent of big? </font>

It sure is. I've done it a few times and have even connected an extra air storage tank to get more vol. The regulators should be set approximately at the same psi, but they don't have to be exactly the same as all that will happen is one will shut off a little sooner than the other. You can buy a 'pigtale' using quick couplers that has multiple sockets so its easy to hook up more than one machine.

RichNJKubota · Nov 25, 2005

Yes, Ypu can "add" compressors together.
Rich
NJ

Egon · Nov 25, 2005

Use one relay to control both motors. That way they both run at the same time.

Egon

Bird · Nov 25, 2005

I've never done it myself, but I go by a place every day that has two big compressors outside hooked together. Like the other guys, I don't know of any reason not to do it.

BobReeves · Nov 25, 2005

Great info, thanks.

Just came back from a little shoping spree.. Best Attwoods had was a 5 HP 20 gal for around three hundred. Anything over 5 was big bucks. Looked at the 7+ HP uprights at Harbor Freight and they start at over a grand even for the store brand.

A 5 and my 3 would more than double my present situtation. Another item to add to my wish list /forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif

bobodu · Nov 25, 2005

Since we're talking air here,maybe this'd be a good time to pass on something some folks may think about.That being the air intake filter.I was given a nice pump because "It didn't seem to keep up anymore."I don't need to finish the story...do I? /forums/images/graemlins/blush.gif
We have seven or eight compressors scattered over three floors of our dry clean plant ,all piped into the common air line and set roughly the same kick in/out in the event our 40 horse screw goes down.

have_blue · Nov 25, 2005

It'll work fine.

You may want to make sure they start at slightly different pressure, because if they start at the same time they could easily trip a 30a breaker. Even better, plug them into different circuits.

RalphVa · Nov 25, 2005

The compressors will work in parallel. Just make sure you have enough amperage. That 3 Hp one will draw at least 20 amps at 115 volts. The 5 Hp one will draw at least 30 amps at 115 volts. These amperages will add together unless you split them between circuits. They'll likely require more for startup, particularly if your workshop isn't heated much or at all.

Ralph

Soundguy · Nov 26, 2005

Yep.. at work we had a 15yr old CH 60 gallon comp die.. we bought another that looke djust like it.. and use the old air tankoff the dead one as extra storage. Works good.

Before i had that one I got at tsc 5pkhp/27g I use a pancake compressor.. 2hp/4g.. and plumbed in a 10g air tank for a little more capacity when painting... boy.. new compressor is a dream.. and a bargain in my book.. at only 199$ HAs wheels and a cart handle even...

Soundguy