can the metro master blaster run on 15 amp outlet?

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mwtaco

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hello,

i'm looking to buy the metro master blaster 8hp during the 6 hour sale.

i'm not sure if i have 15 or 20 amp outlets in my garage, nor will i be home to find out.

anyone here have the master blaster and run it on a 15 amp outlet?

thanks for any input.
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mwtaco said:
hello,

i'm looking to buy the metro master blaster 8hp during the 6 hour sale.

i'm not sure if i have 15 or 20 amp outlets in my garage, nor will i be home to find out.

anyone here have the master blaster and run it on a 15 amp outlet?

thanks for any input.
feedback%5B1%5D.gif
Click to expand...

In my real world experience, an 8HP will run about 5 mins on a 15A breaker. I tried it several times.

I finally realized that the electricians during a remodel had switched the garage breaker from a 20A to a 15A breaker (I checked the wires and it had a 20A GFCI in the first outlet) and confirmed it was wired properly as a 20A as most modern codes require and corrected the breaker. I also once attached it to a 15A outlet strip...tripped in no time.
 
Bunky said:
In my real world experience, an 8HP will run about 5 mins on a 15A breaker. I tried it several times.

I finally realized that the electricians during a remodel had switched the garage breaker from a 20A to a 15A breaker (I checked the wires and it had a 20A GFCI in the first outlet) and confirmed it was wired properly as a 20A as most modern codes require and corrected the breaker. I also once attached it to a 15A outlet strip...tripped in no time.
Click to expand...

was this with turning on both motors simultaneously?
 
With both 4.0hp motors running it pulls 18 amps....I recommend at least a 20 amp GFCI protected service/duplex.


:)

Bob

Quick Edit: @ OP...You should not Turn On/Use both motors until the service has been upgraded...IMHO.
You may want to consider the Vac and Blo unit for your usefulness if an electrical upgrade is not in the cards
 
ok. thx guys. guess it all depends on my own outlet.
 
another question...

do all 20 amp outlets have to have the T shaped prong? my outlets do not have that T shape on one side, does that mean it is definitely a 15 amp outlet?

again, i'm not home to check myself, thus my asking...
 
It runs on my 15 amp with no problem. I start 1 motor and then 5-10 seconds later I start the next. Haven't had it pop ever since I switched to that startup method...
 
Strange, I run mine all the time at 8hp on a 15A GFI outlet. The plug is for a 15A outlet, too.
 
mwtaco said:
another question...

do all 20 amp outlets have to have the T shaped prong? my outlets do not have that T shape on one side, does that mean it is definitely a 15 amp outlet?

again, i'm not home to check myself, thus my asking...
Click to expand...

No. None of my oulets (kitchen, garage) have the T-shaped outlet.

Some breakers vary. You can check your wiring in the house. If I recall 20A circuits have 12AWG wiring.
 
CEE DOG said:
It runs on my 15 amp with no problem. I start 1 motor and then 5-10 seconds later I start the next. Haven't had it pop ever since I switched to that startup method...
Click to expand...

mjlinane said:
Strange, I run mine all the time at 8hp on a 15A GFI outlet. The plug is for a 15A outlet, too.
Click to expand...

Bunky said:
No. None of my oulets (kitchen, garage) have the T-shaped outlet.

Some breakers vary. You can check your wiring in the house. If I recall 20A circuits have 12AWG wiring.
Click to expand...

hmmm. maybe ill roll the dice and get one. yeah i know i could return it but its subject to restocking fees and the hassle of the return.

again, all the questions because i wont be at home during the sale so i cant check what my setup is for myself.
 
Homes built prior to the early 1960’s were most commonly wired with a two-wire system, absent of the modern third wire: An equipment ground wire.

Old styles (legacy):


Modern styles:


You can compare your outlets to these...

You may be able to "run" an 18 amp appliance on a 15amp service for awhile...But at what risk!!! Just saying........

An electrician will clear-up any "outlet-issues"....But there goes the 20% savings down the drain. Better that, than your house up in smoke, IMHO.


:)

Bob

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

EDIT: Here's what the 20 amp GFCI looks like:



WR= weather resistant
 
Last edited:
Uh, it's the other way around. They would have put a 20A plug on the appliance to keep it from being plugged into the 15A outlet. Even if you pulled 20A from a 15A outlet, the circuit breaker pops.
 
Some dummy wired my garage outlet with a 20a breaker and 14g wire along with a 15a plug. I would call him up and complain but it was me, Lowe's sure can get me into a lot of trouble :-) Looks like I'll be running new wire if I get the MB.
 
also it would trip earlier and easier if there are other current drawing items on that specific circuit being used at the same time. mine never trips on the 20 where it would on the 15
 
CEE DOG said:
It runs on my 15 amp with no problem. I start 1 motor and then 5-10 seconds later I start the next. Haven't had it pop ever since I switched to that startup method...
Click to expand...

I have no problems with mine after following Corey's recommendation. I love it. I have to post pics of my "Master Blaster Cart" I made :)
 
mjlinane said:
Even if you pulled 20A from a 15A outlet, the circuit breaker pops.
Click to expand...

i was counting in this. circuit breaker popping vs house goin on fire.

appreciating the help/discussion so far.
 
"You may be able to "run" an 18 amp appliance on a 15amp service for awhile...But at what risk!!! Just saying........"

wouldnt a 15 amp breaker cover this? it would pop.
 
The only risk isn't fire, but running a higher amp motor on a lower than specified wire can lead to ruining the motor. It won't happen immediately either. The length of the wire from the box comes into play also.
 
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