Air Compressor Selection Chart

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Choosing the correct air compressor for your industrial business or home garage can be a confusing task. There are many different makes and models available and all in different sizes and configurations. Probably the most important factor is deciding what type of work the compressor will be used for. You should also consider where exactly you plan on locating it. Will it be mounted inside your shop or used outside? Do you plan on mounting it to your service truck or in a barn without electricity? Another very important consideration is what are your power requirements? Air compressors can be powered by either electricity or a gas engine. Most residential and commercial buildings have 115v/60 htz power and many commercial and industrial buildings have 230v/single phase/60 htz power. Confirm with a licensed electrician to be sure what type of electricity is in use for your particular situation. If your electrical power is not available, you will need to purchase a gas powered air compressor. A gas powered model will have to be used outdoors due to carbon monoxide poisoning from the internal combustion engine.

Below we have included a handy reference chart to help you narrow down the correct air compressor for your needs.

Class	Environment	Duty/Design Life	Air Power	Technology	Configuration	Compressor
Home Use	Do-It-Yourself Home/Yard/Hobbies/Projects	Light Duty Occasional Use Moderate Life	Up to 6 CFM 125 PSI Max.	Reciprocating Direct Drive Single-Stage	Small Tank Electric Motor Portable	Reciprocating Twin Stack
Contractor	Sub-Contractors Job Site or Shop Roofing, Framing Maintenance/Repair	Intermittent Duty Heavy Use Long Life	Up to 14.3 CFM 135 PSI Max - single stage 175 PSI Max- two stage	Reciprocating Direct Drive Single-Stage	Small-Moderate Tank Gas or Electric Portable	Reciprocating Twin Stack Wheelbarrow Air Sled
Professional	Mechanics, Pros Shops/Garages Light Automotive Commercial/Trades	Intermittent to Continuous Duty Heavy Use Extended Life	Up to 18.1 CFM 135 PSI Max	Reciprocating Oil Lubricated Belt Drive Single Stage	Large Tank 230v Motor Stationary	Reciprocating Garage Mate SS3L3 SS5L5
Industrial	Shop Operators Light Industrial Heavy Automotive Body Shops	Continuous Duty Heavy Use Extended Life	Up to 100 CFM 175 PSI Max	Reciprocating Oil Lubricated Belt Drive Two-Stage	Large Tank 200/230/460/575V Motor Stationary	Reciprocating Type-30 Premier TS Series
	Shop Operators Light Industrial Heavy Automotive Process/Operations	Continuous Duty Heavy Use Extended Life High Efficiency	Up to 194 CFM 200 PSI Max	Rotary	Large Tank 200/230/460/575V Motor Stationary	Rotary SSR Series SE Series SSR Up - Series