Licensed experienced sparky to your rescue
.You need a 2 pole breaker of the correct amperage.You need 2 phase or hot conductors plus an equipment ground wire.For example, if the motor plate says 18 amps at 230/240 volt, you'll need the following;the wire must be rated to carry 125% of the motor load, that would be number 10 copper in this senario.If the compressor is not with in site of the panel, you'll need a disconnecting means if the compressor doesn't allready have one.The disconnect must be rated 115% of the motor load.Generally,home compressors won't need a motor starter(solinoid switch),should have a built in disconnecting means..The breaker you add to feed the compressor can be sized to 250% more than the motor load.But in this senario,# 10 wire can never be protected by more than a 30 amp breaker.Rather than go through all the code book stuff, tell me the full load amperage listed on the motor data plate, I'll tell ya what to buy. Yes you can run a temporary hookup, just be careful to place the wire where it's free from abuse.
