Originally Posted by
Keith Hankins
Ok, 5hp 30A requires 30A rated electric resources. This inlcudes a 30A Plug receptacle, and breaker. Failure to do so will heat that wire and potentially burn your house down.
Now to see if it runs if at 20+A continuous that means it will be significantly higher on start. I'd bet even if the plug worked which it should not as a 20A 220v plug will be diff from a 30A rated one and won't fit. If you wanted to test it, I'd get a length of flex cable and plug it into your dryer outlet.
If she runs pull the appropriate 10AWG wire and 30A plug/receptacle/breaker.
Good luck, and nothing like an old tool!