Thread: Compressor amperage draw

Big Red = 20a

Mine's a 'Mega Grunt' or something... IITC it draws 30A - 35A. It certainly won't run from the fag lighter (20A) as it blows the fuse.

M

Bossairsuspension Vehicle mounted draws 25 Amps on start up

Hi folks, first things first, the only way you are going to know what sort of current your compressor or any other device actually pulls is to measure the current while you are using it.

The marked current rate on any electrical device, be it 12 volt or 240 volt, is the maximum current that the device can safely handle and if everything is running correctly, the device should NOT pull that much current.

Next, most electric motor powered devices pull more current at lower volts so if you measure the device with the vehicle’s engine running and with the vehicle’s engine off you will either get a higher current draw with the engine off and / or slower electric motor speed than when the vehicle’s engine running.

Last but not least, with compressor currents like those posted above, theoretically you could still flatten your battery because with the vehicle’s engine at idle, the current output of most alternators is going to be less than the amount of current being used, BUT it would probably take many MANY hours to flatten the battery.

Here’s a tip to help extend the operating life of any electric motors in or powered from your vehicle. Running the vehicle’s engine while using the electric motor supplies the motor with a higher voltage. This higher voltage allows the motor to do it’s work easier and thus lessens the load on the motor.

This works well for winch motors, compressor motors but is very effective at extending the operating life of electric window motors. It’s a good practice to always put your electric windows up before you turn the vehicle’s engine off, it’s a less of a strain on the motors while they are supplied with the higher voltage.

One more tip, the highest current you can get from a “ Fag socket “ is 16 amps which is far too low to be an effective power supply for an air compressor. Either pick your power up right at the battery or if you have heavy cables running to the back of the vehicle to power a camper trailer or caravan, make up an extension lead and connect your compressor to the lead.

Cheers

Originally Posted by DEFENDERZOOK

twin tongue....?
i would say your club has the situation licked.....

...... OK a Twin Tongue is two Blue Tongues hooked up together. They use them for filling diving tanks on boats and one of our members who works in a dive shop got it for us.
It is very quick .....

Most helpful.

Thanks guys.