Hey Guys,I got a couple of questions. I just got an Alkin W31 115v motor, did I make a mistake by getting the 115 v over the 220v model?. I was thinking it was going to be less hustle with the 115v model, but I have heard. That I might need to do something to make it work, due to the high amps that it will be drawing. Did I made a mistake? Or should not be a problem. I m not plugging it until I find out what needs to be done, or even if I can. Any help will be appreciated.
Alkin W31 115v/60hz motor
- Thread starter RamonTex972
- Start date
@RamonTex972 To my understanding that configuration usually requires a special circuit to handle that amperage. They aren’t to be plugged into a regular US residential outlet. The 220/60hertz models plug into certain residential dryer, water heater, and oven outlets with few issues. I suggest calling David with Alkin and discussing your options with him. He really know his stuff. Or if you’re comfortable with the aforementioned information, I suggest that you either wire a dedicated circuit for your compresor yourself or call an electrician for a quote.
Here’s a thread to read on it. @Humdinger really knows these compressors well. https://www.airgunnation.com/topic/alkin-compressor-2/
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Not one of the guys... But I can help I hope 
You will need to run a 35amp breaker with 8ga wire for this as it has a draw of 32amps. On the other hand, I have only the prior in my garage, a 40amp breaker and 8ga wire might also be an option for you. 10ga wire is not rated for draw above 30 amps. Wiring up a new circuit is not difficult, just gets to be expensive depending on the length of the run. Enjoy the project and congrats on the awesome compressor.
-Margaret
You will need to run a 35amp breaker with 8ga wire for this as it has a draw of 32amps. On the other hand, I have only the prior in my garage, a 40amp breaker and 8ga wire might also be an option for you. 10ga wire is not rated for draw above 30 amps. Wiring up a new circuit is not difficult, just gets to be expensive depending on the length of the run. Enjoy the project and congrats on the awesome compressor. -Margaret
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Either way you are most likely going to need to run a dedicated line. 18 months ago copper was a whole lot cheaper. The closer to your main panel or a sub panel you are, the cheaper it will be.
But bottom line, 120 or 240 volt will be fine, it’s just that the 120 will be more expensive to run. If you’re like me and just pump air for yourself you won’t even notice an increase in your electric bill. If you ran the compressor four or six hours per day, now that’s different.
Alkin would not put a 120 volt motor on it if it was a bad idea.
Just be sure to follow the start procedure every time you start compressor
Randy
But bottom line, 120 or 240 volt will be fine, it’s just that the 120 will be more expensive to run. If you’re like me and just pump air for yourself you won’t even notice an increase in your electric bill. If you ran the compressor four or six hours per day, now that’s different.
Alkin would not put a 120 volt motor on it if it was a bad idea.
Just be sure to follow the start procedure every time you start compressor
Randy
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A single pole 30 amp breaker, feeding a 10 gauge wire to a 30 amp 120 volt receptacle will support this compressor. A dedicated line is a must. This is based on a 3kw motor, but the motor plate may indicate you need to upsize to 8 wire and 40 amp single pole breaker, which would be a unicorn of a breaker. My 220v Alkin is on a 20 amp 2 pole breaker.
Motor loads are sized differently than typical residential branch circuits.
Motor loads are sized differently than typical residential branch circuits.
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The breaker protects the wire, the wire is sized accordingly. You could simply call Alkin for their recommendation.
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I would like to thank everyone in here for the help, it really helped me get this compressor running. I called an electrician, that installed a 30 amp receptacle and plug, a 40 amp breaker and 8 gauge wire. This baby runs sweep and smooth, can’t be happier. I also called Alkin and they were super helpful, great company to deal with. Thanks everyone, here are some pics. Also sorry to get back here kind of late.
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