Pond Boss Forums AERATION Systems questions Running electric or air uphill

I suggest you run as heavy a wire as you can afford, and send 220v to the pond. Some points to consider:

1. Any chance you'll want electric for anything else at the pond in the future? Lights? Bug Zapper? Refrigerator?

2. I once ran 12 gauge about 150 feet to my machinery barn. Delivered voltage ran about 95 volts (this was undoubtedly lower than it would have been with a straight run, as there were three places along the way that the electric was also supplied, and all those splice joints added resistance.

3. I have 6 gauge running 220v/50a about 650 feet to the shed at my 1st pond where the aeration compressor is located. Small single phase motors (milk house heater) don't like running there unless the load is balanced to the other phase.

4. Whatever you run, GET A 220V COMPRESSOR. This cuts the required amperage (and line loss) in half. My 3/4 hp compressor has been running with the electric supply defined in #3 above with no problems since 2008.

5. Too light a wire and hence more line loss equals low delivered voltage, which may not be good for some motors.