Thread: Doing a Shonky...

Originally Posted by Shonky

My nickname isn't Shonky because I am a dodgy dealer, but none the less in this instance it may apply...

I am looking to buy a compressor, and the local paint and gear shop can do me a good deal. I can get a V-Twin 3hp that will do 220LPM for $599, or a single cylinder 2.5hp running 175LPM for $699.

No brainer? No, not quite.

The 2.5hp has a 10A plug. The 3hp has a 15A.

I live in a rental house and there is no 15A plug.


Now, I have seen on more than one occasion where people have made up a short extension lead with a 15A female on one end and a 10A male on the other. This allows them to plug in to a 10A household supply.

I know this is dodgy, but will it work? What are the risks? What is the real life likelihood that anything bad will come of it?

I would much rather get the bigger compressor, not least because it is cheaper (I am poor)!

I have a welder with a 15A plug, and no 15A power points. And I use the welder regularly ... . Just be sensible about it and don't overload it and I reckon you'll be right! Otherwise you'll chuck the circuit breaker.

Willem

I have a 15A welder which I used for years connected to a 10A GPO at my parents place. When welding on very high amps it would trip the safety switch occasionally.

I just used a short 10A extension lead. The 15A earth will fit into the soft extension lead sockets.

I now have a 15A GPO in my shed.

I'm surprised you're not considering running it on jump leads from the street mains, Shonky

The 15A circuit should be wired (as per AS 3000) with larger wire diameter between the power point and the fuse box.it is capable of handling more load(current in amps)

A 10A domestic circuit is designed to hold 10 Amps not 15A.Extending this with a short lead with a 15A capability does not protect the rest of the wiring (in the roof etc.)

Current inrush on startup of the compressor will be high thus a 15A requirement.

Settle for the 10A version and don't risk it as it may void house damage insurance.If you dont like it continue to search for a twin cylinder 10A unit.

Spending that much on good tools!!

Bunnings and Gasweld amongst others have muuuuch cheaper compressors that are great for amateaur spray painting, filling tyres, running most home-grade air tools etc. And they are all 10A..
https://ishop.gasweld.com.au/ishop/s...y/M/group/TACI

Mine came from gasweld about 4 years ago, I've used it for spraying a few car body panels, lots of airbrushing, filling car and bike tyres and degreasing.

Talk to your neighbour and see what he thinks, considering the quantity and regularity of work your compressor will see.
Cheers,
Mark

Mark - I did have a compressor which I bought from Bunnings. You get what you pay for!

Gasweld is just as expensive (although I have just been told that one of their stores is closing down so there may be savings to be had) This shop has much cheaper gear aswell, which would be on par with the units of the same price from gasweld.

My compressor will most likely see a fair bit of use. A small compressor may be fine for touching up panels, but when doing a whole car in 3 coat primer, 4 coat colour I doubt the savings would be worthwhile.

I will also have to respray Ambrose eventually, and I plan on keeping the same compressor for a fair while.

Then there is the other project which I have my eye on...

Hoodoo brown's advice is good and the legal side of things.

If you must buy a 15Amp unit and wish to use a 10Amp outlet. Make sure that other heavy current appliances* on the same circuit are turned off and if you know use the one that is closest to the power board. If your power board has circuit breakers they are most likely 25Amps on the power circuits.

Diana

* High current appliances, room heaters, clothes dryers, washing machines, room airconditioners and refrigerators.

Maybe Bill would be willing to put a 15A plug in for me - and maybe the landlords won't notice!