Cast Air Industrial Series Heavy Duty Shop Air Compressor — Model I538VC2-S
The Cast Air I538VC2-S at ,642 is the best-specified 5 HP vertical compressor in Cast Air's Industrial lineup: 3-cylinder pump, 2-stage compression, 80-gallon vertical tank, cast iron construction. It combines the space-saving vertical footprint with the higher displacement 3-cylinder pump and the pressure efficiency of 2-stage compression — giving you more air output, higher pressure capability, and a smaller floor footprint than any other 5 HP option in the series.
This is the 5 HP unit to choose if you want maximum performance at this horsepower level in a vertical package. The 3-cylinder pump moves more air per revolution than standard pumps, and 2-stage compression handles higher pressures more efficiently — both of which matter in daily professional shop use.
Who This Compressor Is For
- Small, space-constrained shops that want maximum 5 HP performance in a vertical footprint
- Operations with higher pressure requirements — spray equipment, precision tools, applications above 100 PSI — that can't justify a larger HP compressor
- Single-technician shops running tools continuously who need both CFM output (3-cylinder) and pressure efficiency (2-stage)
- Buyers who want the best-equipped 5 HP unit available at the lowest price point in Cast Air's vertical lineup
Key Features
- 5 HP Single-Phase Motor: Low electrical demand — approximately 22–28A at 230V single phase
- 80-Gallon Vertical Tank: Space-efficient vertical footprint with full 80-gallon air storage
- 3-Cylinder Cast Iron Pump: Higher displacement per HP than 2-cylinder pumps — more CFM output for faster recovery and better simultaneous tool support
- 2-Stage Compression: Higher maximum pressure capability and better thermal efficiency than single-stage — the pump runs cooler, lasts longer under sustained high-pressure operation
- Vertical Cast Iron Configuration (VC): Vertical-mount cast iron pump engineered for vertical tank installation
- Industrial Series Build: Commercial-grade throughout — not consumer or contractor grade
How This Compares to Other 5 HP Vertical Options
- I518VC2-S — ,598 — 5 HP, 80-gal, vertical, 2-stage, standard cylinder count
- I538VC2-S (this unit) — ,642 — 5 HP, 80-gal, vertical, 2-stage, 3-cylinder — 4 more for 3-cylinder pump advantage
- I518VC1-S — ,213 — 5 HP, 80-gal, vertical, single-stage — more expensive, less capable compression
At just 4 more than the I518VC2-S, the 3-cylinder pump upgrade in this unit is essentially a no-cost performance improvement. If you're choosing between the two 2-stage vertical 5 HP options, the I538VC2-S is the better value.
Understanding the I538VC2-S Model Number
- I — Industrial Series
- 5 — 5 HP motor
- 3 — 3-cylinder pump
- 8 — 80-gallon tank
- VC — Vertical Cast iron pump
- 2 — 2-stage compression
- -S — Stationary
Installation Requirements
- Electrical: Single-phase 230V — approximately 22–28A; 30A dedicated circuit typically sufficient
- Floor: Level concrete — vertical units need stable, level surface
- Ceiling: Confirm clearance for vertical installation and service access
- Condensate: Regular drain maintenance
Note: Exact CFM output, maximum operating PSI, dimensions, and shipping weight were not available from Cast Air's manufacturer website at time of listing. Contact us at 866-217-0063 for current specifications before ordering.
Why Buy From OEM Diagnostic Tools?
OEM Diagnostic Tools has equipped professional shops since 2016. Among Cast Air's 5 HP vertical options, this unit consistently delivers the best combination of specs at the price — but we'll confirm it fits your actual shop requirements before you order. Free shipping, free pre-sale technical support at 866-217-0063, and the full Cast Air manufacturer warranty.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
