After a few years of using my Viair 400P compressor for airing-up duties, I'm upgrading the substandard air chuck, gauge and wiring attached to what is otherwise a fine compressor. I had the idea to put a longer, heavier gauge power cord on the unit so I could set it right next to each tire, making it easier to be precise in adjusting each tire's pressure. This would also allow me to cut that infernal air hose down to about 2-feet, making it less likely to get damaged and a LOT easier to deal with.
I also thought how cool it would be if I could mount a Powerlet/Hella style plug on the cord so I could air-up without opening my hood . . . until I saw the amperage ratings on the Powerlet plug/socket instructions. Only 15-amps?
I have Powerlet sockets in my cab and shell, running from a Blue Sea fuse block fused at 30-amps with 4 AWG wire from the aux. battery. I can fit 12 AWG into the Powerlet assembly. The the OEM wiring for the compressor looks to be about 14 AWG lamp wire. The compressor is rated at 30-amps max and has a 40-amp inline fuse.
I also have some 45-amp Anderson connectors and the contact pins are thin and tiny compared to the contacts in a Powerlet assembly.
My question is, why is the amp-rating on the Powerlet assembly so low? If I install 12 AWG into the connectors and fire up the compressor, am I asking for trouble? Wouldn't a secure plug connection be better/safer than the battery clips that came with the compressor?
Thanks in advance for any replies. This site is such a wealth of information!
I also thought how cool it would be if I could mount a Powerlet/Hella style plug on the cord so I could air-up without opening my hood . . . until I saw the amperage ratings on the Powerlet plug/socket instructions. Only 15-amps?
I have Powerlet sockets in my cab and shell, running from a Blue Sea fuse block fused at 30-amps with 4 AWG wire from the aux. battery. I can fit 12 AWG into the Powerlet assembly. The the OEM wiring for the compressor looks to be about 14 AWG lamp wire. The compressor is rated at 30-amps max and has a 40-amp inline fuse.
I also have some 45-amp Anderson connectors and the contact pins are thin and tiny compared to the contacts in a Powerlet assembly.
My question is, why is the amp-rating on the Powerlet assembly so low? If I install 12 AWG into the connectors and fire up the compressor, am I asking for trouble? Wouldn't a secure plug connection be better/safer than the battery clips that came with the compressor?
Thanks in advance for any replies. This site is such a wealth of information!
