Electrical Question

[dfurlano]

I realize this is an electronics forum but I thought maybe someone could offer some guidance.

I have a Jun Air 12-20 compressor rated 198-242V - 2.85 amps. There are two motors on this compressor. The plug is a 1 1/8 inch diameter 20 amp 240V style.

I ran 10-2 for wire and I want to put in a breaker just for this compressor.

My question is I read that 20 amp 240v outlets do not have a natural wire and both are hot. Is this true and do I need to use a double pole 20 Amp 240v breaker for the 10-2 wire?

Thanks in advance.

Dan

[Al_The_Man]

You do not need a neutral for 240v 1 phase motors.
You need to install a double breaker that spans the two 120v legs. Other wise you get the same 120v on both breakers.
The outlet and plug should be rated accordingly, they are made 15 amps and up.
The 15 amps have horizontal pins instead of vertical.
It sounds like you have it well covered with a 10-2 conductor, as you mention 2.85 amps? How come that conductor size?
If so you need to size the breaker accordingly, and 20 amps would be way too high.
Al.

[dfurlano]

Al,

Thanks for your help. In the manual it does state that the amps will go to 5.8 at the highest pressure. Maybe I should use a 10 amp (if available) breaker?

Thanks again.

Dan

[Al_The_Man]

Make sure you get a true double breaker with the switch paddles coupled together, this way one trips it takes the other with it.
Al.