3 in 1 Starter

[TMC]

Can a 1/4 thru 1/3 HP 3 in 1 starter work on a 1/5 HP compressor?

[johnieG]

You could try it, but it may not release the start winding due to the run current draw being less
( 1/5 verses 1/4 HP) but being it's an older compressor anyway, it's probably drawing as much start/run current as a "fresh" (new) 1/4 Hp , so it should be OK, 

if the 1/4HP 3-in-1 doesn't like the current draw it "sees" it will try to restart the compressor over & over


So maybe just test it with the 1/4HP unit first & see if it cycles normally first, and if it doesn't behave itself, you can go with the lower HP rated one.  (they do sell a 1/8th through 1/5th HP size 3-in-1)