Ridgid OF150200A – 15 Gallon 200 psi Compressor

Larger air compressors make many operations go smoothly on the construction job site and in the workshop. They improve overall production performance and operation versatility. High capacity compressors are useful for a multitude of applications including finish and trim carpentry, framing, roofing, flooring, siding, decking, and all types of workshop projects.

RIDGID OF150200A Compressor

If you are in the market for a large-tank air compressor that runs at high pressure, you do not have to look any farther than the RIDGID OF150200A compressor. RIDGID recently introduced this new 200-PSI 15-Gallon Portable Electric Air Compressor. The new compressor has a winning combination of portability and power for most craftsmen’s and contractor’s job site air needs. An oil-less compressor makes this part of the RIDGID compressor maintenance free. RIDGID built this unit in a vertical tank configuration with the motor, compressor, and controls on the top of the tank. They also provide a handy storage area on the top of the control housing.

The Right Configuration for Me

I like this vertical configuration for its ability to fit into the corner of my shop and still have all of the controls accessible from the front of the machine. The footprint is only 17 1/2” wide x 18 1/4” deep. When I took it out of the shipping container, I was impressed with the quality of the welds that held the pieces of the unit together and the large size of the metal fixtures that hold the wheels and make the front stand. This is a quality fabrication!

This compressor is ideally suited for the type of use it will see in my shop – but it may not be for everyone. For example, I use a pneumatic sander and it is probably the highest CFM consumption tool that I will use for an extended period. The OF150200A will keep up with my sander and other tools, but a shop that uses multiple sanders, large pneumatic grinders or multiple impact tools will probably run into this compressor’s duty cycle limitations. This unit has a 10-minute duty cycle – meaning it runs continuously for 10 minutes and then will rest for ten minutes. This cycle time may not be adequate for many production workshops.

The Right Capacity for Me

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RIDGID rates this compressor at 5.1 SCFM @ 90 psi. The OF150200A has a 1.6 hp universal motor that draws a healthy 14.4 amps. of current while running. I tested the peak current at start up and it was 28.5 amps. for a short in-rush. Clearly, this compressor will work best with a 20 amp dedicated outlet to run uninterrupted. The universal motor has an inherent design feature that gives it a strong starting torque. This feature, I assume, is behind the branding “StrongStart – Reliable Starting in any Power Condition” featured prominently on the sides of the compressor.

For my shop, I can run my Bostich framing nailers in rapid-fire mode, my 15 and 16 ga. finish nailers, my pneumatic sander and ½” impact wrench without running into any duty cycle limitations. In addition to these pieces of equipment, I use a lot of compressor volume blowing off dust and cleaning the shop surfaces with compressed air. To see how the RIDGID OF150200A performs for cleaning, I timed the amount of time that it took, with no power, to discharge from the 200 psi upper limit, at a discharge pressure of 100 psi, to when the pressure to the blow gun reached a 50 psi reading. It took 2 minutes and 34 seconds to empty the 15-gallon tank.

Being curious how this would compare under power, I also took the time to do the same discharge test with the power on and I could not get the discharge pressure to dip below 60 psi with the power running. It was surprising to see that it took well over 9 minutes to reach that 60 psi. mark. In 9 minutes, I can do a lot of dust blowing. As a result, I know the capacity of the RIDGID OF150200A will be more than enough for my shop requirements. If I ever do reach the 10-minute duty cycle, I will take a break or do something different while the compressor recovers.

Fixed Installation or At the Job Site

As comfortable as the OF150200A compressor is in my shop, this unit can also travel easily to remote job sites. RIDGID did a great job making the compressor portable with two large 8” diameter solid wheels and a sturdy handle to make the unit very transportable. This compressor will certainly travel vertically, tethered in a trailer. Also, I would have no concern with it lying horizontally in a pickup truck bed as long as it is secured with straps for travel.

Compressor Controls

The controls on the compressor are very easy to use. RIDGID provided a separate air pressure gauge for both the tank and the discharge line pressure. These are large gauges and they are easy to read. RIDGID centered the pressure regulator between the two pressure gauges. The regulator has a nice locking feature that allows the user to set and then lock the output line pressure.

Ridgid placed the On-Off switch at the left side of the front panel in a recessed area. That placement prevents the user from inadvertently hitting the switch. Initially, I did not like the placement. After a few weeks of experience, however, I think it is easy to find and use in that location.

The product designers located the tank drain valve at the front of the unit and protected it by a heavy steel plate. It is very convenient to use, operating with a ¼ turn of the large black plastic handle.

Only One Suggestion

I have only one suggestion to make about the OF150200A. I would like the quick connect to extend about ¾ inch father away from the manifold. That way I would be able to pull back the collar of the quick connect without losing a bit of skin on the back of my fingers.

Ridgid 15-Gallon Air Compressor Specifications

• Model: Ridgid OF150200A
• Voltage: 120 V
• Horsepower: 1.6 hp
• Amperages: 14.5 A
• Air Delivery SCFM @ 40PSI: 6.2
• Air Delivery SCFM @ 90PSI: 5.1
• Maximum Pressure: 200 PSI
• Compressor Tank Capacity: 15 Gal
• Decibel Rating (Outdoor): 86 dBA
• Weight: 94 lbs
• Height: 41.62″
• Width: 17.62″
• Warranty: 3 years limited
• Price: $369

Summary

I’ve used all types of compressors over the years. In my opinion, the RIDGID OF150200A is a perfect small shop compressor.

For my shop and my compressed air needs, the RIDGID OF150200A hits a sweet spot. It is a combination of a small footprint, volume and pressure capacities, portability and quality. While this compressor may not meet the duty cycle needs of an air-intensive production shop, it certainly handles my demands. It is a great value for me!

Source: https://t-tees.com
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