Inverters will generally need to be rated for 3000+ continuous watts to start the compressor. Explanation:
The Mantus Scuba Compressor uses a 1.5 kW electric motor, but the peak current on start of the machine can be up to 5 times higher at 7200 watts for a few milliseconds (read on high torque motor’s LRA versus RLA). Inverters list their surge capacities in several different ways, but generally they will list a 5 second surge capacity. A 5 second surge capacity of 4500 watts has been shown to be sufficient as inverters have higher surge capacity the shorter the surge is. Looking at the most common inverters on the market, an inverter rated for 3000 continuous watts would be the minimum we would recommend to match 4500+ surge watts.

Gas generators will sometimes have even more surge capacity for startup. For example the Honda 2000 watt 30 amp model can start our compressor.

If you are using an inverter or generator that barely meets these requirements, you may need to start the compressor at 0 PSI. Connect your scuba tank but leave its valve closed so it is sealed from the compressor. Drain remaining air in the compressor. Now when you start your compressor, it will draw much less surge amps to get the motor spinning. Then you can slowly open your scuba tank and fill as normal.

On shore power a standard 15 amp breaker should be sufficient to run the compressor.