Powering a 240V 15A air compressor with a 6-20 plug

120-240v240vair-compressorappliances

I have an air compressor with a 240V 15A power requirement and a 6-20 plug (looks like normal US plug but with one of the flat ends turned at a 90 degree angle). Instruction manual can be found [here][1] (pdf hyperlink, 1MB).

I'm trying to figure out the best way to deliver power to it.

I have a gas powered generator that has a 120/240V 30A L14-30 twist lock outlet. Alternatively my house has a 240V 4 prong 30A dryer outlet (it's a 14-50 plug/outlet but is on a 30 amp breaker).

I'm looking for a quick and safe way to get the compressor up and running other than having an electrician put in an appropriate new outlet. Any ideas?

Info plate on motor attached.

[1]: https://c.searspartsdirect.com/mmh/pd_download/lis_pdf/OWNM/L0807019.pdfenter image description here

Best Answer

Put a 30A cord on it

You should be able to remove the existing cord from the compressor and attach a 30A cord (10AWG cordage, either terminating in a 6-30 or a 14-30 with the neutral wire at the device end terminated in a way that won't short to anything, including the case) to the thing.

This is no different than putting a 15A cord on a 1A clock. The device itself is overload protected, and the breaker will protect the premises wiring from gross shorts.

While you're at it, you can fix the dryer so it uses the proper receptacle (14-30) instead of the 14-50 you say it's on.