220 compressor light?
- Thread starter T Reno
- Start date
BillK
Well-known member
T,
You could wire a switch to a relay similar to what is used with AC systems. The switch could either have a built in pilot lamp or operate a separate lamp placed wherever you want it.
You could wire a switch to a relay similar to what is used with AC systems. The switch could either have a built in pilot lamp or operate a separate lamp placed wherever you want it.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Just wire a 240VAC indicator light across the line terminals. Here is an example, but there are plenty of options https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Raised-Indicator-Light-22NY65
What gauge (ie wire size) needs to connect that light ??
I'd like to put a light over by door to shop (about 35 ft from compressor) that would let me know the compressor is powered up. Wire would run up the wall and across the attic, so more like 50 ft total.
Like this style better for less money !!
https://www.grainger.com/product/22...Purchased-_-AZIDPBR_58144&cm_vc=AZIDPBR_58144
sberry
Banned
This is a real problem. I am not a fan of adding wire to these circuits without extensive experience with circuit design. I am not sure of the fascination with this. If it's long term shut it off, if not shut the service valve off, no leaks, the macine doesn't come on.
This should be a feature or option these days, due to the internet seems it would sell.
This should be a feature or option these days, due to the internet seems it would sell.
sberry
Banned
Most need to install this after they install some **** auto drain.
BPJOOP93
Well-known member
I just did this. One leg off the 220 line so it's a 110. Small LED light bulb lights up when compressor is on. Works really well.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
What gauge (ie wire size) needs to connect that light ??
I'd like to put a light over by door to shop (about 35 ft from compressor) that would let me know the compressor is powered up. Wire would run up the wall and across the attic, so more like 50 ft total.
Like this style better for less money !!
https://www.grainger.com/product/22...Purchased-_-AZIDPBR_58144&cm_vc=AZIDPBR_58144
Looks lie that light draws 4.17 mA so wire of absolute small gauge would work. I would use no less than 14 ga NM just for simplicity sake. Also in the future no one would mistake this wiring for a low voltage or home entertainment circuit as they might if you ran speaker wire or something smaller than the 14 ga.
Be aware that the wire you are running to the lamp now has improperly sized circuit protection (it's protection is the breaker that supplies the compressor) so if you ever had an event on that indicating lamp circuit it would not trip the breaker, it would melt the wire. That's not a good thing if you understand the principle of fire- i.e. air, heat and combustible materials....
The best way to do this would be to install 2 small fuses in line with this circuit that would protect the small wire. Chances of a problem with that circuit are very small, but best not to tempt fate. This does complicate things a bit but its the best thing to do.
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LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
Remote operated equipment has local indicator lights at the start/stop station all the time. Its not scary nor is it rocket science. The problem with doing on the Load side of the switching device of an intermittent run machine like a compressor is that the indicator only lights up when the machine is actually running. You need to feed it from the Line side of the Operating switch, down stream of the On/Off switch. With most smaller compressors that have mechanical pressure switches, there's no good way to do it without adding more things to the circuit.
Tommy
Tommy
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manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Agreed, only thing unusual with this proposed remote indicator circuit is the fact that the supply voltage is 240. Most folks freak out about anything above 120. Remote operated equipment is 120 (ancient machinery) or more commonly 24 VDC at the operator stations.
I don't think folks want the light to know it's running (that's pretty obvious if they are in it's proximity). They want the light connected to the Load side of the compressor on/off switch (before the pressure switch) to remind them they turned the compressor off before leaving the shop.
EDIT: Just re-read your post and you are right, it's very difficult to wire into these small combination on/off/pressure switches that are used on most consumer compressors. I missed that point in your post.
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Rossco
Well-known member
Yeah I looked into the 'Leviton' Pilot illuminated switch. Just need a Neutral.
Break the pressure switch to Mag starter wire.
Break the pressure switch to Mag starter wire.
sberry
Banned
In theory would use 2 fuses to protect smaller wiring. I realize they use these lamps all the time, normally installed by the equipment mfgs. They simply didn't add a light to the supply side wiring that has the potential to be hooked to a large breaker.
We have been living without additional gadgets added to air comps well before the internet came along making them popular.
We have been living without additional gadgets added to air comps well before the internet came along making them popular.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Two fuses is correct, I edited my post to reflect that and thanks for correcting that over site.
sberry: Why are you so opposed to things that might make life potentially more convenient?
Can't have a light to indicate a compressor is turned on, can't have a welding table that has tapped holes in it, shop air needs nothing more than two hose reels, etc...
Does your TV have a remote? Does you truck have cruise control or power windows? Do you have a cell phone or computer? You really don't need any of those things because they might make life easier you know.
Maybe you should turn in your welders too and get back to the anvil and forge
If a light attached to a compressor makes someone happy then what do we care?
In our large shop at work I installed sensors on the deadbolts at 4 man doors and indicating lights at a central panel so I can tell they are all locked before leaving for the evening. Saves folks from walking around in the dark after turning out the lights (metal halide) and forgetting to check the doors, can't tell how many busted shins this saved.
Did people lock up buildings before this enhancement? Yes they did and sometimes they left doors unlocked because they forgot to check. Geeesh...
.
sberry: Why are you so opposed to things that might make life potentially more convenient?
Can't have a light to indicate a compressor is turned on, can't have a welding table that has tapped holes in it, shop air needs nothing more than two hose reels, etc...
Does your TV have a remote? Does you truck have cruise control or power windows? Do you have a cell phone or computer? You really don't need any of those things because they might make life easier you know.
Maybe you should turn in your welders too and get back to the anvil and forge
If a light attached to a compressor makes someone happy then what do we care?
In our large shop at work I installed sensors on the deadbolts at 4 man doors and indicating lights at a central panel so I can tell they are all locked before leaving for the evening. Saves folks from walking around in the dark after turning out the lights (metal halide) and forgetting to check the doors, can't tell how many busted shins this saved.
Did people lock up buildings before this enhancement? Yes they did and sometimes they left doors unlocked because they forgot to check. Geeesh...
.Richard Cranium
Well-known member
My water heater has a led light that lights up when the upper element comes on to heat. Should be able to use some thing like that.
arturo7
Well-known member
I'm faced with the same dilemma. I recently built a shed behind my garage and moved the compressor into it. On more than one occasion I have forgotten to shut the unit off.
I think installing a relay into the circuit would be the best solution, but I have no idea what kind of relay is required or how much it would cost.
I think installing a relay into the circuit would be the best solution, but I have no idea what kind of relay is required or how much it would cost.
jkwilson
Well-known member
Can't see what a relay gains you. Just choose a bulb that can operate from whatever voltage you would switch the relay with.
TAMPAGT07
Well-known member
I just hung a sign "Make sure Compressor is Off" on the door going into the house... It seems to be working fine...
wyliesdiesels
Well-known member
U can use a relay on one side of the contactor coil. Connect the relay to a switch used for the lights and neutral.
Turn the lights off and u open one side of the coil on the compressor starter contactor.
Turn the lights off and u open one side of the coil on the compressor starter contactor.
OccupantRJ
Well-known member
I have my shop wired with a "master switch" which has a grey cover plate. It is located right next to the light switches at the exit door. When I leave the shop for the day, I hit all the switches and all devices connected to the switch shut off. These are the air compressor, ceiling fan, light inside the welding table vent hood. More things can be added as needed. I used a small relay to break the control wiring to the compressor starter coil when the master is shut off.
38 Dodge Coupe
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I did the same hook up on my compressor as BPJOOP93. You know when you close up the the garage for the evening and you see that the indicator light is shining on the air compressor, that you have not turned off the power to the air compressor.
matt_i
Well-known member
Here is how I would roll with it. At least its a diagram to shoot flaming arrows at
Note this is going to require a motor starter/contactor with 120vac coil.
Note this is going to require a motor starter/contactor with 120vac coil.
sberry
Banned
I am not opposed to convenience, I am opposed to modifying an engineered system by adding makeshift wiring without proper protection. We had one a while back where the auto drain failed,,, the solution,,, add more lights, now we have 2 things to go wrong.
nh_yota
Well-known member
If you're concerned about leaving the compressor turned on, add an Intermatic T101/T104 mechanical timer to the circuit and remove the ON pawl from the dial. That way when you go to use the compressor, all you need to do is flip the manual override on the timer and then it will shut itself off the next time the OFF pawl comes around the dial.
sberry
Banned
Here is more of what I intend to say and it gets lost in my own translation. Actually I am all for making it more convenient. It may be worthwhile to add some further controls, nothing wrong with that either but a lot of it disturbs the careful compliance with plug and play designs when installed with code wiring.
Most could likely be solved with additional fuse, proper wire size etc. When we fix a heater we do not disable the simple safety UL built in,,,, making it "better" .
I see most equipment of this nature work good ,long time till it develops a problem, gets "fixed" and never works right again or actually sets up an ambush that while things are fine while they are fine but like the difference in plate and safety glass.
Any service after it left a factory and strays from a normal code compliant installation, mod or service is suspect. Even **** that worked a goodly long time just fine.
The longer I do this the more tailored the mods get but if it can be done simple in a standard way without catastrophic failure by turning a well placed valve when it is not needed then I am all for it. Simple done well may be better than complex half way or introducing another problem.
Same for tank drains. If I am running the sno0t out of it I crack them when I read about an auto drain, shate can happen but I maintain hoses and have a service valve ahead of the equipment at drops on a complicated system, in a home or small garage a tank service valve could be a one shot deal. Shut it off, don't fug with the electric, a system doesn't leak working proper wont be running unattended.
Most could likely be solved with additional fuse, proper wire size etc. When we fix a heater we do not disable the simple safety UL built in,,,, making it "better" .
I see most equipment of this nature work good ,long time till it develops a problem, gets "fixed" and never works right again or actually sets up an ambush that while things are fine while they are fine but like the difference in plate and safety glass.
Any service after it left a factory and strays from a normal code compliant installation, mod or service is suspect. Even **** that worked a goodly long time just fine.
The longer I do this the more tailored the mods get but if it can be done simple in a standard way without catastrophic failure by turning a well placed valve when it is not needed then I am all for it. Simple done well may be better than complex half way or introducing another problem.
Same for tank drains. If I am running the sno0t out of it I crack them when I read about an auto drain, shate can happen but I maintain hoses and have a service valve ahead of the equipment at drops on a complicated system, in a home or small garage a tank service valve could be a one shot deal. Shut it off, don't fug with the electric, a system doesn't leak working proper wont be running unattended.
TAMPAGT07
Well-known member
Here is how I would roll with it. At least its a diagram to shoot flaming arrows at
Note this is going to require a motor starter/contactor with 120vac coil.
Don't you need a switch for both legs?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Not in the case of his diagram. He is turning on and off a motor starter that has a 120 volt coil. The motor starter switched contacts would then switch the two legs that actually run the motor on and off in concert with the state of the starter coil.
He left the starter contacts and the motor wiring off the diagram. This is the control side of the schematic, the power side is what runs the actual motor.
The control circuit is 120 volts. But in a 240 volt single phase circuit as long as it's not a disconnect, switching one leg is code compliant.
mytimeyet
Well-known member
sberry
Banned
Since this is the rage Intermatic should make a listed unit for this? Low voltage LED light, could be ran on control wire.
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mytimeyet
Well-known member
https://www.grainger.com/product/DAYTON-Definite-Purpose-Contactor-6GNU9 or similar... Lots of choices.
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Why should Intermatic make something for this? We can roll our own using Bluetooth, wireless, the internet and a raspberry pi.
That way we can all have it email sberry every night when it turns off the circuit to the compressor. Then he can go out to his shop and turn off the valve he forgot to turn when he left for the day.....
That way we can all have it email sberry every night when it turns off the circuit to the compressor. Then he can go out to his shop and turn off the valve he forgot to turn when he left for the day.....
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
sberry, please take my previous post with the humor it's intended to deliver.
I am only trying to make a point that people forget to do things and that's why we have automated solutions. Happens all the time. Dusk to dawn lights - for people who forget to turn the lights on or off everyday. Did you set the house alarm before you left for the day? No problem, turn it on from your cell phone or PC when you get to work.
Plumber coming to do some work? Open the garage door from afar if that's your desire.
I don't understand your aversion to technology in this instance when I'm sure you have plenty of things that rely on it. Does your air compressor derive its energy from a steam engine that you fire with coal every day?
The average person who visits this board and discusses these types of topics is here for a reason. They are seeking a solution to something that concerns them and they have enough knowledge to understand that there must be a better way to accomplish their goal.
The likely hood of a light wired to a compressor adding to the failure mode is far less than the odds of YOU or ME forgetting to turn off a manual valve every time we leave our shops.
I am only trying to make a point that people forget to do things and that's why we have automated solutions. Happens all the time. Dusk to dawn lights - for people who forget to turn the lights on or off everyday. Did you set the house alarm before you left for the day? No problem, turn it on from your cell phone or PC when you get to work.
Plumber coming to do some work? Open the garage door from afar if that's your desire.
I don't understand your aversion to technology in this instance when I'm sure you have plenty of things that rely on it. Does your air compressor derive its energy from a steam engine that you fire with coal every day?
The average person who visits this board and discusses these types of topics is here for a reason. They are seeking a solution to something that concerns them and they have enough knowledge to understand that there must be a better way to accomplish their goal.
The likely hood of a light wired to a compressor adding to the failure mode is far less than the odds of YOU or ME forgetting to turn off a manual valve every time we leave our shops.
matt_i
Well-known member
As far as modifications are concerned, as long as one has an "as-built" drawing, label the wires, etc, its just something to troubleshoot. The problem arises many moons from now when all has been forgotten, no time was taken to document anything, make drawings, label wires, etc. That makes the next guy (which is almost assuredly *you and your failing memory* ) have to work a lot harder to try to reverse-engineer the system at the same time as troubleshooting. Even better is to write down/photocopy the part numbers of the components used for future replacements or cross-reference to closest functional equivalent.
Relay logic, in my opinion, is rock-solid and well-understood, and even PLCs to further that geneaology tree. Industry is wholly based on this type of componentry and its reliability.
) have to work a lot harder to try to reverse-engineer the system at the same time as troubleshooting. Even better is to write down/photocopy the part numbers of the components used for future replacements or cross-reference to closest functional equivalent.Relay logic, in my opinion, is rock-solid and well-understood, and even PLCs to further that geneaology tree. Industry is wholly based on this type of componentry and its reliability.
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simpler=better
Well-known member
Oh my gawd, you guys are like hens!
Wire up two 120V bulbs in series. Now you have a 240V bulb. Wire this in parallel with the feed to the compressor. If you're concerned about protection sizing and all that, wire the bulb holders with 6 gauge.
Wire up two 120V bulbs in series. Now you have a 240V bulb. Wire this in parallel with the feed to the compressor. If you're concerned about protection sizing and all that, wire the bulb holders with 6 gauge.
Wiring those lamps to a 30 A & larger circuit is not allowed.
ctfjr
Well-known member
fwiw, here is what I did. My compressor is located in my basement garage. It is also piped to our regular garage - about 100' away and on a completely different level.
Since my motor is only 3hp, I 1st installed a double pole relay with a 24 volt coil to control the motor. To energize the relay coil I installed a 230 volt to 24 volt transformer right on a knockout of my disconnect switch.
I mounted 2 2X4 utility boxes (one in each area where there are air supplies) and used 18ga thermostat wire to run a '3-way' connection between the 2 boxes. The switches feed one side of the 24 volt transformer to the controlling pressure switch that powers the relay AND to one side of a 24 volt panel light. I used blank plates that I drilled for the panel lights and spdt toggle switches. The other side of the relay coil and light are connected to the other side of the transformer.
Since I used 18/5 wire, the two extra conductors run from the 1st powered light to the one in the other garage.
Believe me, it was easier to do than explain
fatkidracer
Well-known member
you all must have car tires and air lines that all hold air all the time. at my old garage that i bought with an 80gal upright in place already i turned it on the day i got the keys and never turned it off. it's nice to never wait for air when you need it.
was i somehow wrong for doing this?
was i somehow wrong for doing this?
manwithtools
ALLIANCE MEMBER
fatkid: This whole thread is about people who want to have their air compressor on and available whenever they are in their shops. They don't want to risk a fire or other damage if an air line happened to burst while they are out of the shop - causing the compressor to run non stop for hours on end. That's why they want a reminder to turn off the compressor when they leave for the night.
sherlocktk
Well-known member
I use a 12 hour dial timer. I Installed it into the mag starter box (by drilling a 3/8 hole) and wired it in line with the pressure switch. When I go into the shop I turn the knob to the amount of time I think I will be working (say 3 hours) and forget about it. No need to "worry" about turning it off.