The BelAire 338HL4 is a 7.5 HP, two-stage air compressor built for facilities with 460V three-phase power and limited ceiling height. Its 80-gallon horizontal ASME tank measures approximately 71" long, 24" wide, and 49" high, making it a practical alternative where a vertical receiver will not fit. The belt-driven pump uses a cast iron cylinder sleeve with aluminum heads, while the factory-installed magnetic starter provides motor switching and overload protection. BelAire recommends a 20 Amp breaker for this 460V configuration, but final circuit and conductor sizing should be confirmed by a qualified electrician.
The belt-driven design allows the pump to operate independently of motor speed, helping reduce piston speed, heat, and wear compared with a pump driven directly at motor RPM. The pump is splash lubricated and includes an oil sight glass for quick level checks, while the fully enclosed high-flow belt guard protects the drive components without restricting cooling airflow. An aftercooler reduces discharge-air temperature before it enters the receiver, helping moisture condense inside the tank instead of continuing downstream. The compressor reaches a maximum of 175 PSI. Published airflow figures conflict, with available data listing 18.5 CFM at 100 PSI and 22.3 CFM at a conflicting rating pressure, so buyers matching this compressor to a specific continuous-demand tool should confirm the current factory airflow rating before ordering.
The 338HL4 is suited to industrial shops, fabrication facilities, and manufacturing operations already equipped with 460V three-phase service. Its horizontal design works well beneath low ceilings, mezzanines, and overhead obstructions while keeping the belt, pump, and routine maintenance points accessible at working height. Buyers should provide a level, solid installation surface, adequate ventilation around the pump, and sufficient space for service access. Published information also conflicts regarding the exact unit weight and whether the tank drain is manual or automatic, so those details should be confirmed if they affect your installation. An air dryer is not included; BelAire recommends the CPXHT25 as a separate purchase for applications requiring additional moisture control.
Specifications
Drive and pump
| Pump |
Two-stage, belt drive, aluminum with cast iron sleeve |
| Lubrication |
Oil lubricated, splash system, sight glass fitted |
| Maximum pressure |
175 PSI |
| Delivered air |
18.5 CFM at 100 PSI per the feature list; 22.3 CFM per the specification database and overview. Disputed — see the note above. |
Motor and supply
| Motor |
7.5 HP |
| Supply |
460V, 3-phase |
| Recommended breaker |
20 amp |
| Amp draw |
Confirm with a certified electrician |
| Starter |
Magnetic starter included |
Tank and dimensions
| Receiver |
80-gallon, horizontal, ASME code |
| Tank outlet |
3/4" |
| Length |
71" |
| Width |
24" |
| Height |
49" |
| Weight |
491 lbs per the overview text; 481 lbs per the specification database. Disputed — see the note above. |
Certification, Without the Gloss
The receiver is built and stamped to the ASME pressure vessel code and fitted with a safety valve. That is the certification claimed for this machine, and it applies to the tank.
We do not hold a North American third-party electrical safety listing issued by an accredited testing laboratory for this unit. That is a different document from a pressure-vessel code stamp, covering a different set of hazards, and neither implies the other. Insurers, corporate facility standards and local electrical inspectors may require an electrical listing specifically. If that could apply to your installation, establish the requirement and ask us to confirm the documentation in writing before you order, rather than after the machine is installed.
Freight and Receiving
Ships freight within the lower 48 states, free of charge.
Plan how the machine will come off the truck before it arrives: a forklift or loading dock at the delivery point, or terminal pickup if you prefer to collect it yourself. Residential delivery is available and carries an additional residential fee.
Inspect the shipment before signing anything. Look for skid movement, dents in the tank ends, bent guards, damaged panels or signs of oil leakage. Record anything you find on the delivery paperwork and photograph it while the driver is present. A clean signature can make a later freight-damage claim very difficult to pursue.
Warranty
A 2-year bumper-to-bumper factory warranty covers all components and is activated by purchase. Record the serial number when the machine is uncrated and keep it with your invoice and warranty documentation.
If a problem develops, do not dismantle the pump, motor or pressure switch before opening a warranty claim. Taking a component apart before the fault has been documented can make the failure difficult to verify and may complicate warranty coverage.
For the machine itself, follow the manufacturer's maintenance schedule. Keep oil changes documented, re-check belt tension after the initial break-in period if specified in the manual, and drain receiver condensate according to the manufacturer's instructions. Good maintenance is considerably cheaper than replacing a component that failed because a simple service task was ignored.
