Electric Air Compressors: 110V, 220V & Three Phase Models

Electric air compressors run on 115V, 230V, or three phase power, delivering exhaust-free compressed air for indoor shops, facilities, and any location with electrical service. CompressorPros carries electric compressors from 1.5 HP portable units to 200+ HP industrial rotary screw systems across piston, rotary screw, and scroll technologies. Standard shipping is free.

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What Are Electric Air Compressors?

An electric air compressor uses an electric motor rather than a gasoline or diesel engine to drive the pump. Electric compressors produce no exhaust, run quieter than engine-driven equivalents, and require less routine maintenance since there is no fuel system, spark plugs, or engine oil to service. They are the standard for indoor installations, including garages, auto shops, manufacturing plants, and dental offices. CompressorPros carries a large selection of electric air compressors, from portable electric piston units to industrial three phase rotary screw air compressors.

115V Single Phase vs. 230V Single Phase vs. Three Phase (208-460V)

The voltage and phase of your electrical service determine which compressors are available to you and how much HP they can deliver.

115V Single Phase Electric Compressors

115V models plug into a standard household outlet on a 15-20 amp circuit. HP is limited to about 2 HP, which delivers 4-8 CFM for brad nailers, finish nailers, inflation, and light pneumatic tools. These are the most convenient option for home garages and small workshops. The C-Aire P016H020-1115 1.6 HP 115 Volt 20 Gallon Portable Air Compressor is the top-selling 115V portable on the site.

230V Single Phase Electric Compressors

230V single phase models require a dedicated circuit and deliver 3-10 HP. This is the standard voltage for shop compressors, covering two stage piston units, single phase rotary screw compressors, and enclosed silent air systems. The C-Aire A075V080-1230 7.5 HP Single Phase Two Stage 80 Gallon Air Compressor is a top-selling 230V single phase compressor in the catalog, and the Quincy QGS 5 TMD-1 5 HP Single Phase Rotary Screw with Dryer represents the a popular rotary screw option at this voltage.

Three Phase Electric Compressors (208-460V)

Three phase power is available at commercial and industrial facilities and delivers 5-200+ HP. Three phase motors draw roughly 50% less amperage per HP than single phase, run cooler, and operate more efficiently at scale. Three phase is required for nearly all compressors above 10 HP. The Elgi EG37-150 50 HP Three Phase Base Mount Rotary Screw Air Compressor represents the industrial end of the range. Browse shop by voltage and phase to filter by your facility's electrical service.

Types of Electric Air Compressors

Electric Piston (Reciprocating) Compressors

The most common and most affordable electric compressor type. Available from 1.5 to 20 HP in single stage and two stage configurations with 20-120 gallon tanks. Duty cycles are typically 50-70%, making them well-suited to intermittent tool use. The BelAire 4916V 5 HP Two Stage 60 Gallon Air Compressor is an entry level single phase, two stage air compressor.

Electric Rotary Screw Compressors

Rotary screw compressors deliver 100% duty cycle, lower noise, and longer maintenance intervals than piston models. Electric rotary screw units range from 3 HP single phase to 200+ HP three phase and are the standard for facilities that need sustained airflow. Available in fixed speed and variable speed drive configurations.

Electric Scroll Compressors

Scroll compressors are oil-free and produce the lowest noise levels of any electric compressor type. They range from 5 to 40 HP and serve dental offices, hospitals, pharmaceutical plants, and clean-room environments where air purity and quiet operation are critical.

Key Specifications

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute): Electric compressors deliver roughly 4 CFM at 1.5 HP to 350+ CFM at 75+ HP. Add up all simultaneous tool and process demands and include a 25-30% buffer.
HP (Horsepower): 1.5-2 HP on 115V. 3-10 HP on 230V single phase. 5-200+ HP on three phase. Higher HP delivers more CFM.
Voltage/Phase: 115V single phase (standard outlet). 230V single phase (dedicated circuit). 208V, 230V, or 460V three phase (commercial/industrial service). Confirm your facility's voltage and available amperage before ordering.
Amperage: Critical for circuit sizing. A 5 HP 230V single phase compressor may draw up to40 amps. A 7.5 HP unit may draw up to 60 amps. Verify that your panel and circuit can handle the compressor's full load amperage.
Tank Capacity (Gallons): Portable electrics use 17-30 gallon tanks. Stationary piston models use 60-120 gallons. Rotary screw tank mount systems use 60-132 gallons. Base mount rotary screw systems connect to separate receivers.
Max PSI (Pounds per Square Inch): Single stage piston: 125-135 PSI. Two stage piston: up to 175 PSI. Rotary screw: 125-150 PSI. Scroll: 100-150 PSI.

Brands Carried

Quincy: Two stage piston PRO/QT PRO series and QGS rotary screw series from 5 to 30 HP in single phase and three phase with optional integrated dryers.
C-Aire: Competitively priced electric piston compressors from 1.6 to 10 HP in 115V and 230V configurations, consistently among the top sellers on the site.
BelAire: Hybrid and Cast iron single and two stage piston compressors from 3.5 to 10 HP, a long-standing choice for automotive and body shops.
Elgi: EN and EG series rotary screw compressors from 7.5 to 75+ HP in tank mount and base mount configurations with extended 4,000-hour maintenance intervals.
ABAC: Electric piston and rotary screw compressors from 2 to 20 HP in single phase and three phase, with optional dryers.
EMAX: Silent Air piston series with enclosed cabinets and integrated dryers, plus variable speed rotary screw compressors from 10 to 75 HP.
Toledo Tools: Rotary screw air compressors from 5 - 50 HP.

CompressorPros buys direct from the manufacturer, saving time and money.

FAQ

What voltage do I need for an electric air compressor? For home garages and small tools, 115V (standard outlet) handles compressors up to 2 HP. For shop compressors at 3-10 HP, 230V single phase (dedicated circuit) is the standard. For industrial compressors above 10 HP, three phase power (208V, 230V, or 460V) is required. Check your electrical panel to confirm what is available.

What is the most common mistake when buying an electric air compressor? Not verifying amperage against the circuit. A compressor may match your voltage but still trip the breaker if the circuit's amperage rating is too low. Check the compressor's full load amperage in the product specifications and confirm your circuit and breaker can handle it. Take a look at this resource to help with Breaker Size.

How does an electric compressor compare to gasoline or diesel? Electric compressors are quieter, produce no exhaust, cost less per hour to operate, and require less maintenance. Gasoline and diesel compressors deliver compressed air without electrical infrastructure and serve job sites and remote locations where power is not available.

Can I run an electric compressor on a generator? It is possible but requires careful matching. The generator must produce clean, stable power at the correct voltage and deliver enough surge wattage for motor startup. Undersized generators can damage the compressor motor. To see if your generator is large enough to power an air compressor, take the Full Load Amps x 8 and then take that times the voltage. For example, a typical 7.5 HP single phase compressor will have a 32 amp motor, take 32 x 8 (256) and then take 256 x the voltage, 230 and you will come up with 58,880 Watts or 59Kw. That would be the minimum size for a generator to power a 7.5 HP, single phase air compressor. Keep in mind that manufacturers typically will not warranty electrical components if run off of a generator.

Do electric compressors need a dedicated circuit? 115V models at 1.5-2 HP can run on a standard 15-20 amp outlet, though a dedicated circuit is recommended. All 230V and three phase compressors require a dedicated circuit with an appropriately sized breaker.

Does CompressorPros offer free shipping on electric air compressors? Yes. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer, on every unit in this category.

Shop Electric Air Compressors at CompressorPros

CompressorPros carries electric air compressors from 1.5 to 200+ HP across piston, rotary screw, and scroll technologies in 115V, 230V, and three phase configurations. Browse by voltage and phase to filter to your electrical service, or explore portable electric, single phase rotary screw, and three phase rotary screw categories for specific compressor types. For job sites without power, see gasoline and diesel air compressors. Standard shipping is free, direct from the manufacturer.

If you need help choosing an electric compressor for your shop or facility, call (803) 339-0445 or email info@compressorpros.com.

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Electric Air Compressors

Industrial Gold CI7521E80V-CI10-P 7.5 HP Platinum Series Single Phase Two Stage Air Compressor

Industrial Gold R101ENC3-CDR 10 HP 230 Volt Single Phase Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer

Industrial Gold R203ENC6-CDR 20 HP 208/230 Three Phase Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer

Industrial Gold R71ENC3-CDR 7.5 HP Single Phase Rotary Screw Air Compressor with Dryer

Jenny G2A-30UMV-230/1 2 HP 230 Volt Single Phase 30 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor

Jenny G3A-30UM-230/1 3 HP 230 Volt Single Phase 30 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor

Quincy 271C80VCB23M 7.5 HP MAX Single Phase Air Compressor

Quincy 4103DS12VCB46 10 HP PRO, 460 Volt Three Phase, Two Stage, 120 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor

Quincy 4153D12HCA46M 15 HP QT MAX, 460 Volt Three Phase, Two Stage, 120 Gallon Horizontal Air Compressor

Quincy 451CS80VCB (251CS80VCB23) 5 HP PRO, 230 Volt Single Phase, Two Stage, 80 Gallon Air Compressor

Quincy 451CS80VCBM 5 HP MAX Single Phase Air Compressor

Quincy 473DS80VCB46 7.5 HP PRO, 460 Volt Three Phase, Two Stage, 80 Gallon Vertical Air Compressor