compressor issues???

[architect-builder]

Ok, I have a VIAIR 550C, pulls 29 amps according to Viair. It is mounted in my truck box, apx 15 feet from the battery. It keeps blowing the 30 amp fuses, I have 10 ga wire feeding it. Should I have a bigger fuse for the compressor? I mean, even if there is a spike of 1 amp, thats too much for the fuse? Just trying to get some ideas.

Thanks,

Barrett

 

[sagebel]

Try putting a 35 amp fuse in and then run the + lead through a amp meter so that you can see how many amps it is actually pulling. I would also check the resistance of the lead. You may have just burned up the wiring.

 

[Zookie400]

you could wire in a capacitor just before the compressor to suppress any spikes.

+2 for watching it with an amp meter.

did it come with any literature that recommends wire size and fuse rating?

 

[Yooper75]

Does it pop the fuse when it starts or after its been running for a while? If its popping when you first switch it I would say put a slightly larger fuse in it to help with the start up voltage spike. I would also follow the advice of checking it with a multi meter to see what it is drawing when the compressor is running.

 

[BIG JOE]

I'm think'n it's the wire guage Barrett.

On my 480C, it calls for 8 gauge (minimum) if installed in a location like a Bed Box.

FWIW ? I ran 10-3 S O cord (fine stranded wire) used > 2 < of the 10 ga wires for the power leads, fused at a add on fuse block.. with 30 amp fuse(s) and also a 30 amp breaker in the box, near the Viair. Used the 3rd 10 gauge wire for the ground.. grounded in the bed box AND near the fuse block, under the hood.

Havent ran a load test yet but see No amp draw issues.. engine running or not.

Joe

 

[Zookie400]

how long is the wire from B+ source to the compressor?

 

[architect-builder]

Apx 15' or so.

 

[architect-builder]

ue

I'm think'n it's the wire guage Barrett.

On my 480C, it calls for 8 gauge (minimum) if installed in a location like a Bed Box.

FWIW ? I ran 10-3 S O cord (fine stranded wire) used > 2 < of the 10 ga wires for the power leads, fused at a add on fuse block.. with 30 amp fuse(s) and also a 30 amp breaker in the box, near the Viair. Used the 3rd 10 gauge wire for the ground.. grounded in the bed box AND near the fuse block, under the hood.

Havent ran a load test yet but see No amp draw issues.. engine running or not.

Joe

Joe, That's what I was wondering. I can't find the info for my compressor, (put it somewhere where I can find it, will find it when I don't need it). I'll run a new line with bigger wire and see how it goes. Another Question, all the inline fuse holders I can find are 12 ga wiring. Anyone have a source for a fuse holder with bigger ga wiring?

Thanks for the input guys.

Barrett

 

[BIG JOE]

Auto Zone here had a good selection of 12v electrical stuff. I found fuse holders with 10 guage leads and a Real good selection of 12v circuit breakers. Most all of it is "Buss" brand.

 

[patrickc]

I would probably use car audio (amplifier) power wire and fuses. I like that the wire is available in a variety of gauges and it's fine strand. I've used it for several different applictions in the past and never had any issues. (battery relocates, winches, hi powered spot lights, etc.) Just my