12 V air compressor - (horn) :(

[MikeP]

I have been through a bunch of compressors for the function. I thought I had a decent one with my last purchase, a Viair 250 http://www.viaircorp.com/250C-IG.html

HOWEVER, in the past week it has started popping the 10A breaker after running for a minute or two. I have to say I'm getting pretty tired of this; it's the 4th compressor that's been in there. It seems to work OK but has obviously began drawing more current than before. It draws a max (per specs) of 9 Amps and was operating for about a year with no issues re the 10A breaker.

I guess I could install a 120vac compressor and run it from the inverter/generator…

What are most folks doing re an electric compressor? I don't want to install an engine-driven unit because I want compressed air available for other purposes than operating the horn and don't want to run the engine to get it.

 

[SKYCHENEY]

There is a reason that Hatteras went with the engine driven unit. I think you figured out why.

 

[MikeP]

There is a reason that Hatteras went with the engine driven unit. I think you figured out why.

LOL! Good one…yeah, you are probably right. I guess this is one of those things where what I'm doing is the definition of "insanity," doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.

 

[DCMY #92]

I've used many compressors over the years. For a long time I used a 120 volt shop compressor. Worked OK, but it took up too much room and having to run the gen-set underway for horns is not the way to go.

A few years ago I installed a very powerful 12 volt compressor. It is the type low-riders use for the air suspension. It is compact, reliable, and makes a ton of air a high pressure. It's noisy when it runs, but so was the 120 volt unit. It also requires battery cable size conductors. It is an oil-less compressor so you could use it for breathing air working under the boat if you wish.

http://www.lowriderdepot.com/air_zenith_OB2.html

I also installed a receiver tank used in air suspension systems. However, a semi-truck air brake tank is probably cheaper if you have room for it.