Husky Air Compressor Tripping the GFI

[cmailliard]

I have a Husky Air Compressor (2.75hp and 8gal) that just started tripping the GFI in the garage when I turn it on. I heard somewhere about the circuit no opening all the way or something to that effect. I am dumber than dumb when it comes to electricity and motors. Any ideas?

[KS63]

In my experience, GFI outlets seem to be very sensitive. Also, you may be drawing too much current from that breaker, causing it to trip.

[Sparky]

That is a pretty small compressor to be tripping your GFI. Could be your motor going bad or a bad GFI. Is it an old compressor? Cheapest bet is to go to home depot and get a new GFI.

[Wulf202]

Motors like vacuum and compressors trip some outlets. If it was known good until recently then its the gfci they get weak after a while.

[Great-Kazoo]

The garage attached to house or detached, insulated? Colder temps put more of a load on compressors, especially if you have not drained them in a while.

[cmailliard]

I have tried it on different GFI's on different breakers, I tried it on a normal outlet and it worked fine. It is an older compressor, 9-10 years. Thanks guys.

[cmailliard]

Attached garage, it actually started when I went to blow out my sprinklers (actually on time this year). I will try draining it just in case.

[Sparky]

I have tried it on different GFI's on different breakers, I tried it on a normal outlet and it worked fine. It is an older compressor, 9-10 years. Thanks guys.

If it does ok on other GFI's then you have your answer.

[SideShow Bob]

What is the breaker rating on the GFCI circuits ? 2.75 HP 120V single phase is pulling a little over 17 amps not counting start up current. Also when was the last time you checked/changed the oil in the compressor and lubricated the bearing of the motor ?
Also Ckeck/tighten the electrical connections in the motor for the compressor, unplug it first of course.

[XC700116]

I had this happen with my compressor out of the blue a while back and the wire from the capacitor that aides in starting the motor was broken. Ie: it was drawing too much current on start up. Might be worth checking.

[electronman1729]

I have a Husky Air Compressor (2.75hp and 8gal) that just started tripping the GFI in the garage when I turn it on. I heard somewhere about the circuit no opening all the way or something to that effect. I am dumber than dumb when it comes to electricity and motors. Any ideas?


Are you sure your motor size 2.75hp? Are you on 120V or 208V? I ask about the motor size since 2.75hp is not a standard NEMA motor size and even at 208V that is a really larger current draw. You may need to have a dedicated breaker just for the air compressor. NEC 250-148 gives you the FLA ratings for single phase motor. I added a link below for FYI

http://www.cerusind.com/catalog/documents/Calculators/NEC430_150-148.pdf

[theGinsue]

Tried running my electric smoker on Christmas day. Blew the GFCI. Turns out the patio, basement (unfinished), bathrooms and who knows what else are all on the same GFCI circuit. It worked with no issues in this outlet this summer/fall. The backup refrigerator in the basement lost power too. It worked okay during Thanksgiving.

So, I figured with both the frig & smoker running I must be drawing too much power. I unplugged the frig & tried the smoker - too much draw. I unplugged the smoker & tried the frig (which had been running for 2 days) - too much draw.

My guess is all of the extra stuff plugged in for Christmas must also be on this circuit & it's close to it's peak. Probably your situation as well.

[cmailliard]

It is 2.75hp, it has been working fine for 6 years where it is. I am going to tear it apart today and check the connections. Thanks for the fresh ideas.

[brianakell]

It is 2.75hp, it has been working fine for 6 years where it is. I am going to tear it apart today and check the connections. Thanks for the fresh ideas.

Check if you're trying to run on a 15A or 20A, that should be on a 20A, but a lot of places went cheap, especially on garages and only put in 15A wiring/breakers/outlets.
Are you running on an extension cord? May be too small.
Check if anything else is on the circuit running as well.

[james_bond_007]

What is the breaker rating on the GFCI circuits ? 2.75 HP 120V single phase is pulling a little over 17 amps not counting start up current. Also when was the last time you checked/changed the oil in the compressor and lubricated the bearing of the motor ?
Also Ckeck/tighten the electrical connections in the motor for the compressor, unplug it first of course.

^^^^^this

I have an older compressor that just started acting up this past summer (tripping the breaker upon startup).
Found I was "low" on oil.
Added oil, & lubed everything while I was at it.
Problem went away.

I can't say for sure this is your issue, but it would be easy to check.

[cmailliard]

It is on a 20amp breaker.

It is an oil less compressor. I pulled the thing apart and I could not find anything that smacks me in the face as to why it is not working, but again I am stooopid at motors and electricity. I think it may be Tango Uniform.