Powering electric dive compressor with an inverter

[jamiepyoung]

We are thinking about getting a small dive compressor (anyone got one for sale??).

We aren't sure if an electric powered one could be run using an inverter

Spec says:
Information for onboard use with electric generator
Starting load Ampere
*42 A **87 A
Generator power with starting (without pressure) 4KVA

Would a 2kw inverter with a 4kw peak power work? We have 3 house batteries… bear in mind it would only be used occasionally for 45 minutes at a time.

Thanks!

 

[duncan99210]

OK, just pause a moment. A domestic plug is fused at 13 amps. So your 42 amps will not be able to be supplied via a standard plug..... 42 amps is about 10kw, so your inverter won't supply that either. The second figure is for 110 volts but the way. I've looked at the Coltri Sub MCH 6/EM, which is the smallest compressor they make using a single phase motor. It draws 14 amps or 3.36 kW at full load, so you'd need a 4 or 5 kW inverter to power it. That'd kill most battery banks running it enough to fill two ten litre tanks (50 minutes according to their website).

Most small portable dive compressor use petrol engines. Much the easiest solution to the problem: site carefully so that the exhaust is downwind of the compressor inlet and make sure the CO filters are in date.

 

[jamiepyoung]

Ok. Sounds right. Bad idea.

There's one for sale we've seen (electric powered) and we weren't sure if it was a viable option. I guess it isn't! We don't have space for a generator on board as well, so that's not an option.

Thanks for your help.