Do you need a new air compressor for your business in Wisconsin? Whether you’re a contractor, automotive technician or even a farmer, the right air compressor is essential for plenty of everyday tasks. Make sure your air compressor can keep up by getting to know the difference in models, and how air compressor sizes determine what will work best for your Wisconsin business.
How do I determine the true horsepower (HP) of an air compressor?
Before you search for an air compressor for sale in Wisconsin, you need to learn about the importance of horsepower. While not all electric compressors are accurately rated—some ratings are highly exaggerated—you can generally trust ratings on industrial compressors. As a general rule, an industrial compressor with 5 HP is usually around three times as big and expensive as a hobby compressor that claims to have the same HP rating.
You can get an accurate measurement of the HP of any compressor model by looking at how much electricity it takes to run the unit. Compressors with true 5 HP motors take 24 amps on a 220-volt circuit to run. Hobby compressors at 5 HP will typically run on a normal 15 amp, 110-volt circuit.
Is the size of the compressor’s tank important?
As you learn about some of the differences in air compressor sizes in Wisconsin, you’ll notice that there’s not a huge difference in performance as it relates to the size of the tank. The compressor’s tank only stores air; it doesn’t produce it. The size of the pump and motor are much more important than the tank. If the unit can produce as much air as you need, you’ll never run out of air regardless of the size of the tank.
If you’re looking to run a tool like a sander steadily throughout the day, you need to be sure that the pump and motor are up to the job. It’s recommended to use a smaller tank in this type of situation, since the unit will be more portable while producing plenty of air.
What should I know about air pressure (PSI)?
Since most air tools require 90 PSI to run correctly, you need a compressor with a higher shutoff pressure to maintain enough PSI to keep the tool going. An industrial compressor is your best choice in this case, since they build up to 175 PSI in two stages, whereas most hobby and small commercial duty compressors are only single stage and achieve a maximum of 135 PSI. While this sounds like enough pressure to run standard tools, you have to keep in mind that the hobby compressors usually kick in around 100 PSI, plus you need to account for drops in pressure due to restrictions in the hose and couplers. It’s best to invest in a compressor with a higher PSI so you can be sure you’ll have constant pressure for your tools.
As you research air compressors for sale in Wisconsin, you need to be sure you’re making the right choice for the needs of your business. Contact Wenniger Compressor Co. today to learn more about the different models and different uses for all kinds of air compressors.