What determines the size (horsepower) of an air compressor?
According to Ingersoll Rand
Compressors put off heat, measured in terms of BTU’s per hour. Make sure you provide adequate ventilation. A typical aircooled, reciprocating compressor puts off approximately 2800 BTU’s per horsepower. Let’s take a five (5) horsepower as an example: 5HP X 2800= 14,000 BTU/HR.
Actual delivered air (CFM) is the number that should be used to size tools and pneumatic devices, not P.D.
if you have a motor that has a nameplate rating of five (5) horsepower, the available power from that motor is 5.75 brake horsepower, or (15%) greater than the name plate rating. (5 X 1.15 service factor = 5.75 brake horsepower). Industrial, high quality compressor manufacturers design their compressors to operate no more than (10%) into the service factor, the available horsepower from that motor is 5.5 brake horsepower. Be very careful with compressors that claim to have some “higher” horsepower than normal, or higher than other compressor manufacturers.
Typically, the larger the tank the more reserve, pressurized air is available for output. The smaller the tank, the more the pump has to operate simply to keep up with the system demand. Air tanks come in a broad range of sizes and are usually “mounted” to the air compressor. Look for tanks that carry the A.S.M.E. (American Society of Mechanical Engineers) stamp of approval. These tanks have been built using stringent quality procedures, thus offering superb quality and operator safety.
The voltage will determine what size and how large a compressor (in terms of horsepower) you can use, without modifying your existing electrical system. 110 volt is the standard voltage for homes. 110 volt only has single phase capability and will only operate compressors up to 3 horsepower, maximum.
