golfnut

We have a standby 20kw generator on the farm. But, I didn't want our air compressor to run w/the generator on because of what you found. So, when we installed the generator, I also had a "relay" installed on our 5 hp compressor. Now, when the line power drops off, the relay opens & the compressor won't run unless you go to the shed & engage it's relay. That way it won't overload the generator. If there has been a power "blip" or outage, you do have to remember to reset the compressor relay or you won't have air. Relay was fairly inexpensive.