Electric motor question

[jaybee]

I'm getting ready for another move. This time my work is transferring my job to Suffolk, VA. It's a good company and a good job, and I'm going to go for it. I guess it's working out that we didn't buy when we moved down from Des Moines.

We need to make some decisions on what to take and what to leave. My big compressor runs a 3hp continuous duty motor which I believe to be far larger than necessary for the compressor, a 2 cylinder, 2 stage inline. Previously I had it wired for 230v but the motor can be wired for 115v. It never labored to restart, never even perceptibly dimmed the lights at any time.

Would it be a good idea to try to run this thing on 115v, or will the amperage draw be too great?

[ragdol]

It will draw 1/2 the amps, run better. & cheaper on 220.

[jaybee]

OK...might draw too much amperage for a 120v circuit.

[Arnold]

I'm getting ready for another move. This time my work is transferring my job to Suffolk, VA. It's a good company and a good job, and I'm going to go for it. I guess it's working out that we didn't buy when we moved down from Des Moines.

We need to make some decisions on what to take and what to leave. My big compressor runs a 3hp continuous duty motor which I believe to be far larger than necessary for the compressor, a 2 cylinder, 2 stage inline. Previously I had it wired for 230v but the motor can be wired for 115v. It never labored to restart, never even perceptibly dimmed the lights at any time.

Would it be a good idea to try to run this thing on 115v, or will the amperage draw be too great?

 I have done a few of those run 220 etc stuff on 110 etc..including compressors. Sometimes you can get by..barely..with a short dedicated 110v 12 ga line and a 20a delay fuse
 Generally..as already posted..it doubles the amp load. It is not just that but the  speed it does it in now.

[jaybee]

Thanks. Sounds like a bad idea...which is usually a good thing to know in advance.