Castair I513HC1: 5HP Single-Phase Industrial Air Compressor — 80 Gallon Horizontal (Base Unit)
The Castair I513HC1 is a 5-horsepower, single-phase, 80-gallon horizontal industrial air compressor in base configuration — no magnetic motor starter included. This is the same C1 cast iron pump, 80-gallon ASME horizontal tank, and industrial motor as the I513HC1-S, but without the factory-mounted starter. If your installation already has a suitable motor disconnect or starter in the electrical panel, or you plan to wire direct with appropriate overcurrent protection, the base unit is the way to go.
The C1 pump runs at 767 RPM and delivers 22.0 CFM free air and 17.5 CFM at 175 PSI. Single-phase power means this unit plugs into standard shop electrical without needing a phase converter or dedicated 3-phase service. For a 1-2 technician shop running impacts, ratchets, and air chisels through a normal work day, this is a solid, correctly-sized machine.
C1 Pump — Construction Details
- Pump designation: C1 — Two-stage, Inline 2 cylinder
- Rated HP range: 4-7.5HP
- Pump RPM: 767
- Flywheel: 16.875-2B
- Oil capacity: 2 quarts
- Construction: 100% cast iron — cylinders, heads, valve plates, crankcase
- Bearings: Tapered roller bearings at both crankshaft ends
- Connecting rods: Precision steel with automotive-type rod insert bearings
- Valves: Disc and spring — field-replaceable without specialized tooling
- Pistons: 4-ring for high efficiency and low oil carry-over
- Unloader: Centrifugal — loadless start-up every cycle
Tank and Frame
- Tank capacity: 80 gallons, horizontal
- Tank construction: Powder-coated ASME-rated steel with channel saddle frame
- Safety valve: ASME-rated, factory installed
- Belt guard: Totally enclosed metal
- Discharge lines: Copper tubing or stainless braided flex line
Motor
- Horsepower: 5HP
- Phase: Single-phase
- Motor speed: 1725 RPM industrial
- Service factor: 15% minimum
- Max working pressure: 175 PSI
- Motor starter: Not included — add separately or use panel-mounted overcurrent protection
Performance Specifications
- Motor output: 5 HP
- Electrical: Single-phase
- Tank capacity: 80 gallons, horizontal
- Pump: C1 (Two-stage, Inline 2)
- Pump RPM: 767
- Free air delivery (0 PSI): 22.0 CFM
- Delivery at 175 PSI: 17.5 CFM
- Max pressure: 175 PSI
- Dimensions (LxWxH): 64 x 20 x 48 inches
- Weight: 600 lbs
What's in the Box
- Castair I513HC1 compressor — fully assembled base unit
- ASME safety valve (factory installed)
- Pressure switch with unloader
- Totally enclosed metal belt guard
- Copper discharge and unloader tubing (or stainless braided flex line)
- Owner's documentation
Magnetic motor starter NOT included — available separately or from your electrical supplier. Aftercooler available as factory option BGAC1M (35 CFM, for 5-10HP models).
Base Unit vs. -S Variant — Which to Buy?
- I513HC1 (this unit): No motor starter — wire direct with appropriate panel protection, or add your own starter
- I513HC1-S: Factory-mounted magnetic motor starter included — simpler installation, motor protection built in
If your electrician is handling the installation and you already have motor protection in your panel, save money with the base unit. If you want everything self-contained and ready to connect power to, choose the -S variant. The compressor performance is identical either way.
When Does a Shop Need This?
- 1-2 technician shops on single-phase power running standard pneumatic tools intermittently
- Tire shops, small service bays, detail shops, light manufacturing with moderate air demand
- You already have motor protection handled in your electrical panel
- You need a real cast iron pump compressor without paying for a starter you don't need
Why Buy From Air Compressor Factory Direct?
Since 2016, we have specialized in industrial air compressors for working shops. The I513HC1 is a straightforward machine — cast iron pump, ASME tank, 5HP single-phase motor. We stock or can source parts, and our tech support line is staffed by people who understand this equipment, not a call center reading from a script.
- Free shipping to commercial addresses in the lower 48 states
- Free tech support at 866-217-0063
- Full Castair manufacturer warranty
- Honest buying guidance — we will tell you if a 7.5HP better fits your workload
- Authorized dealer with direct Castair factory support
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!