Air Compressor install

[472scout]

I'm thinking about putting my 240V compressor in the mechanical room in the basement. Next to the forced air furnace and water heater. That way the temperature will stay fairly consistent throughout the year and I won't have to listen to the noise when I'm working in the garage. Downside is that if the compressor malfunctions I might not realize there's a problem until after the pump grenades or the motor burns up.

I have a straight shot from the mechanical room to the back wall of the garage (different levels) for the air line and wiring. I need to measure, but it's around 30 feet. So a couple of questions. Is there a good automatic water drainer that will LAST or should I just save my money and use a manual valve?

The plan to install the on/off switch in the garage. Any ideas on how to make sure it doesn't accidentally get left on for days a time. The compressor is below the master bedroom so it would really bite to have it kick on in the middle of the night or worse yet run for a couple of weeks while we're on vacation. The only thing I can think of is one of those twist dial timers like you see on a cheap microwave. One that I could set for up to maybe 12 hours would be perfect. Does something like that exist? Ideas?

 

[boosteddsm92]

Something a friend of mine did, and I want to do, is mount a simple light (I'd want to use a low wattage cfl) above the compressor that is on when there's power to the compressor. Then when you're done in the garage and turn off the lights it will be hard to walk out w/a light still on reminding you that compressor is still on.

 

[472scout]

That's a good idea. I was thinking about wiring it in to the light switch itself for the garage. Not sure how I would do that. Maybe a 3 way switch and a contactor?

 

[SGKent]

keep in mind that the unloader on some units needs to be either manually cycled off or allowed to shut down on its own to depressurize the pump. If you flip the unit off while it is pressurizing the unloader may still hold pressure in the pump which can strain the motor on start.

 

[472scout]

keep in mind that the unloader on some units needs to be either manually cycled off or allowed to shut down on its own to depressurize the pump. If you flip the unit off while it is pressurizing the unloader may still hold pressure in the pump which can strain the motor on start.

Good point. It looks like a "load genie" would solve that issue?

http://www.airtekltd.com/valves.htm

 

[brslk]

My wife would kill me if I moved the garage noise into the house.

Bruce