My old compressor has a motor data plate that says 240 volts and 15 amps, so I wired a dedicated circuit with 35 feet of #12 Romex and a 20 amp breaker. I've never had any problems with it. Today I upgraded to a compressor with a motor that says FLA 21.5. My understanding is that this means the motor draws 21.5 amps when making it's full rated power (5 HP). My question is whether I have to rewire with #10. I know that #12 is only used for up to 20 amps, and the new motor can draw 21.5, but I also know that 35 feet is pretty short and the motor probably draws far less than the full 21.5 amps. I've looked at the voltage drop calculations and I get 1.22 volts versus .76 volts. It hardly seems worth the time and money to change it out. I guess I'll also add that the wiring run is inside conduit on an exterior wall and that I will be moving in the near future and removing it anyway. I'd love to hear from some knowledgeable electrical folks. Thanks.