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Can the Delta Pro Run a Pancake Air Compressor? It Depends on Your Model

2 of 3 models are compatible with this generator.

Jump to model-specific results โ†“

Power Margin Analysis

3600W / 7200W Capacity
Running 1575W to 2100W headroom by model
1500W to 2025W required
Surge 525W to 3229W short by model
7725W to 10429W required

Decision Gate Waterfall

Same decision gates as the engine: voltage, running, surge. Runtime is shown as operational context.

1

Voltage Gate

PASS

Device output type must match generator output.

120V required -> 120V available

2

Running Gate

PASS

Continuous draw with safety buffer applied.

1,500W to 2,025W required -> 3,600W available (1,575W to 2,100W headroom)

Required 1,500W to 2,025W required
Available 3,600W
3

Surge Gate

FAIL

Startup peak with safety buffer applied.

7,725W to 10,429W required -> 7,200W available (525W to 3,229W short)

Required 7,725W to 10,429W required
Available 7,200W
3b

With Soft-Start

PASS

Alternative startup path with reduced inrush.

4,693W required -> 7,200W available (2,507W headroom)

Required 4,693W
Available 7,200W
4

Runtime Insight

INFO

Runtime context only. It does not change the electrical compatibility verdict.

Continuous estimate: 1.6h

Device profile reference: up to 1h per day.

Power bars show required versus available output for each gate.

View full compatibility report

Decision Snapshot

Quick compatibility, required headroom, and model-specific context at a glance.

โšก
3600W
Running Power
๐Ÿ”‹
3600Wh
Capacity
โฑ๏ธ
~1.6h
Est. Runtime
โ˜€๏ธ
1600W
Solar Input

Quick Compatibility Check

  1. 1 2 of 3 models are compatible with the Delta Pro.
  2. 2 Model requirements range from 1200W to 1620W running watts.
  3. 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 Tight ~2.1h Engineering Est.
Show expert analysis

Technical: **Running load:** 1200W from OEM rated amps (10A ร— 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 6180W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor โ€” 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 ~1.9h OEM Verified
Show expert analysis

Technical: **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 โ€” 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 โ€” 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 ~1.6h Engineering Est.
Show expert analysis

Technical: **Running load:** 1620W from OEM rated amps (13.5A ร— 120V). **Estimated startup surge:** 8343W at 5.15x running (proxy from CRAFTSMAN OEM data for comparable 6-gallon pancake compressor โ€” no Metabo HPT starting watts published). **Voltage:** 120V AC. Industrial motor, 1.3 HP, 200 PSI max โ€” the most powerful unit in this set.

Field note: The EC914S draws 35% more running watts and has an estimated 8343W surge โ€” 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 โ€” 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 vs Top Alternatives for Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon)

Fit class uses buffered needs (running and surge) for this device.

Specs & Surge Analysis

True Surgeโ„ข Analysis

Safety Buffer: +25%
Running Power Usage 42% to 56% Utilization
1500W to 2025W required 3600W Capacity
1575W to 2100W headroom by model
Surge/Startup Peak 107% to 145% Utilization
7725W to 10429W required 7200W Capacity
525W to 3229W short by model
Voltage Match 120V โ†” 120V โœ“

Startup Surge Visual

Generator Insights

The 7200W surge capacity can support typical motor-driven appliances during startup, including air compressor motors, well pumps, and refrigeration units that demand brief high-current events. The 3600Wh capacity provides extended runtime for moderate loads, though actual performance depends on connected equipment and environmental conditions. This unit can handle typical whole-home essentials when loads are properly managed.

The Delta Pro uses LFP chemistry, a lithium iron phosphate formulation widely recognized for thermal stability in residential applications. The manufacturer provides operational guidance in their documentation, but users must follow all installation and usage instructions to minimize risk. Source: EcoFlow DELTA Pro User Manual v1.1 (manufacturer documentation).

Extend Runtime with Solar

Keep your Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon) running with solar โ€ข MPPT: 11โ€“ 150V โ€ข Max: 1600W

EcoFlow undefined Official

EcoFlow

400W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~12.9h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

Anker undefined Smart Value

Anker

400W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~12.9h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

Bluetti undefined Smart Value

Bluetti

350W Panel

1 Hour Sun =
+0.2h per sun hour
MC4 -> XT60i
Full in ~14.7h

Adapter required: MC4 -> XT60i.

Technical Analysis

Spec-Based โ€ข No Guarantees

Technical Breakdown

Running range: 1200W to 1620W depending on motor size (0.8-1.3 HP). Surge range: 6180W to 8343W โ€” 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: ~1.6h. 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 โ€” 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 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. See the model-specific results table for exact verdicts per model.

How long will the Delta Pro run a Pancake Air Compressor?

It depends on the model. Compatible models run approximately 1.6โ€“2.1 hours on the Delta Pro. 0 of 3 models are not compatible. See the model-specific results for details.

What Else Can You Run?

With 1020W allocated to the Pancake Air Compressor (6-Gallon), the Delta Pro still has ~240W of margin. These devices could run simultaneously:

๐Ÿ’ก
LED Lamp
10W
๐ŸŒ€
Box Fan (Medium)
60W
๐Ÿ“บ
55' LED TV
80W
๐Ÿ”ฅ
Space Heater (Eco)
750W
โ„๏ธ
Medical Fridge
80W
๐Ÿฉบ
CPAP (No Humidifier)
40W

Power Tip: To get the most out of your Delta Pro, 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.

See full ranking
Technical Sourcing & Verification
ID: ecoflow-delta-pro-air-compressor-pancake
๐Ÿ›๏ธ 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).

โšก Generator Specs Source
OEM Verified

EcoFlow DELTA Pro User Manual v1.1

Methodology informed by US Department of Energy (DOE) & EIA references where applicable. Our methodology โ†’

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