yeha i remember someone here was an electrician but i forgot who, maybe they'll pop in. ok i looked online some more, and for a compressor it appears i only need 2 hots and a ground. no neutral is needed for most compressors.
As of now, i plan on running 10/3 wiring (if i get the concept right, 10=gauge 3=wire, lol, give me a break im learning, lol.) Or would BX 10/2 be better? I figure 10 guage due to the 80' run, or is that overkill and 12/3 will be fine? I also decided just to run the wire to a single 220v recepticle, that way i can plug in the compressor, or unplug it for the rare times id use the lift.
My goal is this...(i will NOT actually do anything until im 100% positive so dont worry if i say something wrong)
First, install a double pole 30A breaker in the main box in the basement.
Second, run the 10/3 wiring from the basement to the garage.
Third, connect the 2 hots from the new breaker and the ground to the new wiring i just ran.
Fourth, Connect the new wiring to the new recepticle box in the garage.
Fifth, get a 220v plug and short 10/3(or 12/3) wire to go from the plug to the compressor(less than 5 feet).
Do I have the right idea? lol