How much current does a typical street railway compressor draw?
I realize there's no such thing as "typical", but what about a GE CP-130 or a GE CP-27?
Does it demand a large surge of current to start up?

At 600V, the continuous current draw should be about 5/4 of the motor's rating in horsepower; an 8 HP motor should draw about 10 amps continuously. The horsepower should be listed on the plate. There will be a large momentary current draw when it starts -- that's why compressors are typically fused at a much higher value than the continuous rating. 30 amp fuses are typical, so they won't blow every time the compressor starts. Hope this helps.

A Westinghouse DH-16 compressor, 16cfm, which is roughly equivalent to a GE, CP-27 (15 cfm) should draw about 4.75 Amperes, if in good condtion. It would normally be fused at 10 Amperes. A one-time 600V fuse should be sufficient. If you are blowing 10 Amp fuses on a compressor of this size, there is a problem with your compressor or related wiring. There is no overload protection on these compressors so the fuse only provides overcurrent protection, primarily for the external wiring.

Typically, wiring for a compressor this size would be #12 AWG.

Gord McOuat
MM , Halton County