1
Voltage Gate
PASSDevice output type must match generator output.
120V required -> 120V/240V available
Can the DELTA Pro 3 Run a Pancake Air Compressor? It Depends on Your Model
2 of 3 models are compatible with this generator.
Jump to model-specific results ↓Power Margin Analysis
4000W / 8000W Capacity Running 1975W to 2500W headroom by model
1500W to 2025W required
Surge Up to 275W headroom on lighter models; 2429W short on demanding models
7725W to 10429W required
Decision Gate Waterfall
Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.
2
Running Gate
PASSContinuous draw with safety buffer applied.
1,500W to 2,025W required -> 4,000W available (1,975W to 2,500W headroom)
Required 1,500W to 2,025W required
Available 4,000W
3
Surge Gate
PARTIALStartup peak with safety buffer applied.
7,725W to 10,429W required -> 8,000W available (275W headroom on lighter models)
Required 7,725W to 10,429W required
Available 8,000W
3b
With Soft-Start
PASSAlternative startup path with reduced inrush.
4,693W required -> 8,000W available (3,307W headroom)
Required 4,693W
Available 8,000W
4
Runtime Insight
INFORuntime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.
Continuous estimate: 1.8h
Device profile reference: up to 1h per day.
Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.
View full compatibility reportDecision Snapshot
Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.
⚡
4000W
Running Power
🔋
4096Wh
Capacity
⏱️
~1.8h
Est. Runtime
☀️
2600W
Solar Input
Quick Compatibility Check
- 1 2 of 3 models are compatible with the DELTA Pro 3.
- 2 Model requirements range from 1200W to 1620W running watts.
- 3 See the model-specific results table for per-model verdicts.
Model-Specific Results
2 of 3 models are SAFE or TIGHT. Most demanding model: Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' (6-Gal, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI) (8,343W surge).
| Model | Running | Surge | Verdict | Runtime | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DeWalt DWFP55126 (6-Gal, 0.9 HP, 165 PSI) | 1,200W | 6,180W | Safe | ~2.4h | Engineering Est. |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1200W from OEM rated amps (10A × 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 6180W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor — no DeWalt starting watts published). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Oil-free pump, 0.9 HP universal motor, 165 PSI max. Field note: The DWFP55126 is the best-selling pancake compressor in the US. Despite the modest 1200W running draw, the ~6180W startup surge means most power stations under 3000W surge capacity will trip on compressor restart. Size for surge first, not running watts. Can a portable power station run the DeWalt DWFP55126? Only if your power source can supply at least 1200W continuous and approximately 6180W surge at 120V. The compressor startup surge is the main limiting factor, not the running watts. | |||||
| CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150 (6-Gal, 0.8 HP, 150 PSI) | 1,320W | 6,800W | Tight | ~2.2h | OEM Verified |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1320W (OEM published). **Startup surge:** 6800W (OEM published, 5.15x running). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Oil-free pump, 0.8 HP motor, 150 PSI max. This is the only variant in this set with OEM-published starting watts. Field note: The CRAFTSMAN OEM data reveals a critical insight: pancake compressors surge at over 5x running watts — far more than the 3x NEC assumption used for many motor loads. This is because the compressor must overcome residual tank pressure on restart. Always size for the 6800W surge, not the 1320W running draw. Why does this compressor need so much more starting power than running power? The motor must overcome compressed air resistance in the tank at startup. CRAFTSMAN rates this model at 6800W starting versus 1320W running — a 5.15x ratio. Most power stations under 3500W surge will fail to start this compressor. | |||||
| Metabo HPT EC914S 'The Tank' (6-Gal, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI) | 1,620W | 8,343W | Soft Start | ~1.8h | Engineering Est. |
Show expert analysisTechnical: **Running load:** 1620W from OEM rated amps (13.5A × 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 8343W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor — no Metabo HPT starting watts published). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Industrial motor, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI max — the most powerful unit in this set. Field note: The EC914S draws 35% more running watts and has an estimated 8343W surge — this is the hardest-to-run pancake compressor in the set. Most consumer power stations cannot start it. Its 200 PSI max and 4.0 SCFM output make it a jobsite-grade tool that demands jobsite-grade power. Why does the Metabo HPT need so much more power than the DeWalt? At 1.3 HP versus 0.9 HP, the EC914S delivers 54% more air flow and 21% higher max pressure. That extra performance requires 1620W running and an estimated 8343W startup surge — significantly more than entry-level 0.8-0.9 HP compressors. | |||||
How This Pairing Performs Across Our Database
This unit is borderline without mitigation; 3 of 33 generators meet SAFE/TIGHT margins for this device.
How Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) Performs Across 33 Tested Generators
3 of 33 generators are SAFE+TIGHT for Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon).
3
Safe+Tight
Safe 2 (6%)
Tight 1 (3%)
Soft Start 8 (24%)
Fail 22 (67%)
Power Comparison: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 vs Top Alternatives for Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 Soft Start
Current unit
Running 4,000W
Surge 8,000W
Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.
Specs & Surge Analysis
Power Tools
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Tire Inflation and Tools
Select Your Model:
1620W
Running
8343W
Surge
120V
Required
True Surge™ Analysis
Safety Buffer: +25% Running Power Usage 38% to 51% Utilization
1500W to 2025W required 4000W Capacity
1975W to 2500W headroom by model
Surge/Startup Peak 97% to 130% Utilization
7725W to 10429W required 8000W Capacity
Up to 275W headroom on lighter models; 2429W short on demanding models
Voltage Match 120V ↔ 120V/240V ✓
Startup Surge Visual
Startup Surge
Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) vs DELTA Pro 3
Startup surge exceeds the power station limit. A soft starter may resolve the surge gap.
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Generator Insights
The 8000W surge rating can support typical compressor startup in residential air conditioners, well pumps, and refrigeration equipment. Most single-phase motor loads under 2HP can start on this surge budget. The 4000W continuous capacity can handle simultaneous operation of multiple circuits including HVAC blowers, lighting, and standard appliances during extended outages.
This unit provides 4096Wh of LFP battery capacity with 4000W continuous and 8000W surge output capability. Source: EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 User Manual v1.1 (AC Output Specifications) (manufacturer documentation). The LFP chemistry offers thermal stability compared to older lithium-ion chemistries, though all battery systems require proper ventilation and adherence to installation guidelines.
Extend Runtime with Solar
Keep your Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) running with solar • MPPT: 30– 150V • Max: 2600W
Official EcoFlow
400W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~14.6h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Smart Value Anker
400W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~14.6h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Smart Value Bluetti
350W Panel
1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60
Full in ~16.7h Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60.
Technical Analysis
Spec-Based • No GuaranteesTechnical Breakdown
Running range: 1200W to 1620W depending on motor size (0.8-1.3 HP). Surge range: 6180W to 8343W — pancake compressors surge at approximately 5x running watts due to compressed air resistance on restart. Voltage: 120V AC for all models.
Expected Behavior
Estimated runtime: ~1.8h. Compressors cycle between cut-in and cut-out pressure, creating repeated surge events during use. Daily energy consumption at 1 hour use ranges from 600 to 1215 Wh depending on model and duty cycle. Recommended duty cycle is 50-75% (30-45 minutes per hour max).
Field Note
Compressor startup surge is the primary compatibility bottleneck — not running watts. A power station rated at 2000W continuous but only 3000W surge will fail to start any compressor in this set. OEM data shows pancake compressors surge at over 5x running, far exceeding the 3x often assumed for motor loads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 power a Pancake Air Compressor?
It depends on the model. 2 of 3 Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) models are compatible with the EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3. See the model-specific results table for exact verdicts per model.
How long will the DELTA Pro 3 run a Pancake Air Compressor?
It depends on the model. Compatible models run approximately 1.8–2.4 hours on the DELTA Pro 3. 0 of 3 models are not compatible. See the model-specific results for details.
What Else Can You Run?
With 995W allocated to the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon), the DELTA Pro 3 still has ~585W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:
💡
LED Lamp
10W
🌀
Box Fan (Medium)
60W
📺
55' LED TV
80W
🔥
Space Heater (Eco)
750W
💻
MacBook Air/Pro
65W
🖥️
24' Monitor
30W
Power Tip: To get the most out of your DELTA Pro 3, keep it in a well-ventilated area. Extreme temperatures can slightly reduce the efficiency of the LFP/NMC cells.
Compare all 33 generators for the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)
Ranked by budget, runtime, and overall compatibility.
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: ecoflow-delta-pro-3-air-compressor-pancake 🏛️ Device Data Source
Engineering Est. Safety Factor Applied
Derived from variant list (max of variants). Running worst case = Metabo HPT EC914S (1620W). Surge worst case = Metabo HPT EC914S (8343W). Surge ratio 5.15x derived from CRAFTSMAN CMEC6150 OEM-published start/run watts (6800W/1320W).
⚡ Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified
EcoFlow DELTA Pro 3 User Manual v1.1 (AC Output Specifications)
Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable.
Our methodology →
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