Choosing the right air compressor for your air tools

In the next few posts, I will give you a brief overview for selecting the right size air compressors to run your air tools.

The first topic will be horse power and how they are rated.

First of all, all horse power ratings are not created equal. What I mean is, you go to your local giant hardware retailer to pick out a new air compressor to run your impact. They have a 5 hp unit that is priced really cheap. Why is that 5 hp industrial unit cost so much more? 5 hp is 5 hp, right? Wrong.

Let me explain. Look at how much power the hardware store unit draws. It probably needs around 15 amps from a normal 110 volt circuit. At this rating,you are really getting only 2 hp. The 5hp rating on the box is inflated. To really produce true 5 hp you need at least 24 amps from 220 volt circuit to get it. If you are looking for 5 hp electric compressor, buy the industrial unit and stay away from the cheaper unit at your local hardware store.