How to Build Your Own Vacuum Pump Using an Auto AC Electric Motor

Whether you want to store food or clothing using less space, build your own vacuum pump using an auto AC electric motor. Vacuum pumps remove the air from storage bags to shrink the size of the contents. Excess air in storage bags creates unneeded space. Use an auto AC electric motor to generate the suction needed for your vacuum pump. Wall electrical outlets generate alternating current, or AC, power needed to power the electric motor. The electrical motor is attached to the air-conditioner compressor.

Things You'll Need

• 1-gallon water
• Bucket
• Automotive air-conditioner compressor
• AC electric motor
• 8-inch long rubber tube
• Wire stripper
• Electrical plug
• Electrical tape
• 3 three-inch-long rubber tubes
• 2 “T” fittings
• Air valve
• Steel valve
• 6-inch long rubber tube
• Pressure valve

Instructions

1. Pour one gallon of water into a bucket. Place the end of an 8-inch long tube into the output of the air-conditioner compressor. Place the opposite end of the tube into the bucket of water.

2. Turn the output valve in a counterclockwise direction to open it. The valve releases the excess refrigerant into the water. The water filters the refrigerant before it enters the atmosphere. Remove the tube from the water after all the refrigerant is emptied. The tube is used as the exhaust air tube of the vacuum pump.

3. Strip a quarter-inch from the ends of an electrical plug with a wire stripper. Twist the negative wire from the electric motor around the negative wire of the electrical plug. Twist the positive wire from the electric motor around the positive wire of the electrical plug. Cover the exposed wire with electrical tape.

4. Connect one end of the first 3-inch long tube to the input of the air-conditioner compressor. Connect the other end of the tube left end of a “T” fitting. Connect the end of the second 3-inch long tube to the right end of a “T” fitting. Connect the other end of the second 3-inch long tube to the left end of the second “T” fitting. Connect the end of the third 3-inch long tube to the right end of the second “T” fitting. Connect the other end of the third tube an air valve. The storage bags will be attached to the air valve to remove the air from the storage bags.

5. Connect a steel valve on the top opening of the first “T” fitting. The steel valve adjusts the air pressure from the vacuum pump. Connect one end of the 6-inch long tube to the top opening of the second “T” fitting. Connect the other end of the tube to the pressure valve. The pressure valve measures the pressure per square inch, or psi, of the vacuum pump.

6. Insert the electrical plug in a wall outlet to turn on the power to the vacuum pump. Insert the air valve into the storage bag. The vacuum pump suctions the air from the storage bag. The excess air is released from the exhaust air tube.

Tips & Warnings

• Unplug the device will connecting the wires to prevent electrical shock.