Cast Air Industrial Series Heavy Duty Shop Air Compressor — Model I7112HC2-S
The Cast Air I7112HC2-S is a 7 HP, 120-gallon horizontal industrial air compressor at ,452. Seven horsepower with a 120-gallon tank — this configuration hits a useful sweet spot for growing shops that have outgrown a 5 HP unit but aren't ready for 10 HP electrical requirements or cost.
A 120-gallon tank on a 7 HP motor means more storage than the motor can fill quickly, which is actually a useful characteristic: the large tank extends run time between cycles even as the 7 HP motor takes longer to recover than a 10 HP unit. For shops with moderate sustained demand — 2–3 technicians with intermittent rather than continuous simultaneous use — this configuration makes practical sense.
Who This Compressor Is For
- 2–4 bay shops with moderate sustained air demand — technicians using tools intermittently rather than continuously
- Shops that have outgrown a 5 HP unit and want a meaningful step up without the electrical overhead of a 10 HP motor
- Operations with limited electrical panel capacity where 10 HP is too much but 5 HP isn't enough
- Light-to-moderate truck and automotive service where the range of tools is standard shop equipment without heavy simultaneous demand
Key Features
- 7 HP Single-Phase Motor: More output than 5 HP without the substantial electrical requirements of 10 HP — 7 HP single phase typically draws 32–40A at 230V
- 120-Gallon Horizontal Tank: Oversized storage for this HP level — provides longer run time between cycles, compensating for the motor's slower recovery compared to 10 HP
- Cast Iron Pump (HC): Horizontal cast iron pump — the same durable industrial pump construction found throughout Cast Air's lineup
- 2-Stage Compression: Higher pressure efficiency than single-stage — suitable for elevated working pressures with better thermal performance
- Industrial Series Build: Commercial-grade construction for professional shop environments
- Stationary Configuration: Permanent installation design
7 HP vs. 5 HP vs. 10 HP — Finding Your Range
This is the question that matters most when sizing a compressor. Use this as a rough guide:
- 5 HP (I518HC1-S, ,356): Single technician, standard automotive tools, intermittent use, low electrical demand (30A circuit). Right for 1-bay shops.
- 7 HP (I7112HC2-S, ,452): 2–3 technicians, standard automotive tools, intermittent simultaneous use, moderate electrical demand (40A circuit). Right for growing 2–3 bay shops.
- 10 HP (I10112HC2-S, ,008): 4–6 technicians, demanding tools, sustained simultaneous use, higher electrical demand (50–60A circuit). Right for established multi-bay operations.
Understanding the I7112HC2-S Model Number
- I — Industrial Series
- 7 — 7 HP motor
- 1 — Series designator
- 12 — 120-gallon tank
- HC — Horizontal Cast iron pump
- 2 — 2-stage compression
- -S — Stationary
Installation Requirements
- Electrical: Single-phase 230V — 7 HP typically draws 32–40A; a 40–50A dedicated circuit recommended
- Floor: Level concrete for permanent stationary installation
- Clearance: Adequate ventilation clearance on all sides
- Condensate: Regular horizontal tank draining — plan for auto-drain or manual schedule
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 supplied professional shop equipment since 2016. The 5–7–10 HP decision is one of the most common questions we help shops work through — and getting it right the first time saves significant money and hassle. Free shipping, free pre-sale technical support at 866-217-0063, and the full Cast Air manufacturer warranty. Call us before you order and we'll confirm the right HP for your shop's actual demand.
Call 866-217-0063 for quick answers and help!
