Air Compressor On/Off switch Question

[Bert_]

Interrupt one of the wires going to the pressure switch.

Where are you putting the switch?

 

[nadogail]

Bert, IMHO, got it right.

 

[brownbagg]

that a 220 setup so youre going need a double pole switch, and splice both black wires. two wire going be cut so you will have four wire, two on one side of switch and two on other side.

remember its a double pole switch, that a switch that only work on 220 volts

 

[charger0926]

Interrupt one of the wires going to the pressure switch.

Where are you putting the switch?

Probably going to put it into its own box of some kind and mount it on a bracket on or near the unit.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[charger0926]

that a 220 setup so youre going need a double pole switch, and splice both black wires. two wire going be cut so you will have four wire, two on one side of switch and two on other side.

remember its a double pole switch, that a switch that only work on 220 volts

I am planning to put a switch on the pressure switch which I believe is only 110v. That is the other pic that shows the pressure switch with the two red wires with the crimp terminals and one green ground wire.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[charger0926]

Interrupt one of the wires going to the pressure switch.

Where are you putting the switch?

Do I just splice a switch into one of the red wires on the pressure switch?

So I will extend one red wire to a box/toggle switch set up and then back down to the pressure switch?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bert_]

Single pole is fine, even for 240V. The control voltage looks like 240.

I'd splice into one of the pressure switch wires inside the motor starter box, more room there than in the pressure switch. If you want it on the air compressor I'd just use a toggle switch. Drill a hole in the motor starter box and put the switch in the hole, Easy.

 

[Norcal]

that a 220 setup so youre going need a double pole switch, and splice both black wires. two wire going be cut so you will have four wire, two on one side of switch and two on other side.

remember its a double pole switch, that a switch that only work on 220 volts

220 volts is not used in North America, and the 3rd world countries where it is used it is a line to neutral voltage. It is permitted by the NEC to only interrupt one leg of a 240V circuit as long as it is not a disconnect, which that switch is not.

I would recommend a selector switch such as the one in the link below, but a 22MM model would be more user friendly when one does not own the KO punch required for the one in the link. eBay or a industrial surplus would be a more economical choice also rather then Grainger.


https://www.grainger.com/product/EATON-Non-Illuminated-Selector-Switch-12Y201

 

[Fixin'Stuff]

If you want to take it to the next level, there was another recent thread that talked about sometimes forgetting to turn off the compressor when leaving the garage/shop. Someone posted about having wired up a contactor that was powered from the lighting circuit so that when the lights are turned off, the power to the compressor is automagically turned off. Every time. Would be fairly simple with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4Z8K08/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and a proper enclosure.

 

[BillK]

Personally I have a small wall mounted disconnect for the 240 line. I think that is a lot safer compared to switching the pressure switch. If something happens and you need to shut off all power to the compressor the switch you want to do will not help. Also if you want to work on it you want all the power turned off. Something like this is what I have on mine at home:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-30-A...r-General-Duty-Safety-Switch-TG4321/202978634

 

[b-dog]

If you want to take it to the next level, there was another recent thread that talked about sometimes forgetting to turn off the compressor when leaving the garage/shop. Someone posted about having wired up a contactor that was powered from the lighting circuit so that when the lights are turned off, the power to the compressor is automagically turned off. Every time. Would be fairly simple with one of these: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01J4Z8K08/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and a proper enclosure.

That might've been me but I wired up a on/off valve to the light switch. If you just turn off the compressor and your airlines aren't sealed tight then you'll come back to an empty tank.

I used this:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00PVPFAUE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But you can pay more and support a smaller company here:
http://shop.rapidairproducts.com/3-4-female-npt-compressor-shut-off-valve/

 

[exranger06]

Personally I have a small wall mounted disconnect for the 240 line. I think that is a lot safer compared to switching the pressure switch. If something happens and you need to shut off all power to the compressor the switch you want to do will not help. Also if you want to work on it you want all the power turned off. Something like this is what I have on mine at home:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/GE-30-A...r-General-Duty-Safety-Switch-TG4321/202978634

By code, you're supposed to have a disconnect right near the compressor anyway for servicing. So if the compressor is wired up properly and to code, your point is moot. I have a disconnect right next to my compressor (which is in the utility room, on the opposite end of the house from the garage) and I have a toggle switch located in the garage, wired to the pressure switch.

 

[TRWham]

By code, you're supposed to have a disconnect right near the compressor anyway for servicing. So if the compressor is wired up properly and to code, your point is moot. I have a disconnect right next to my compressor (which is in the utility room, on the opposite end of the house from the garage) and I have a toggle switch located in the garage, wired to the pressure switch.

Article 430 requires a disconnect within sight and no more than 50’ away. The circuit breaker feeding the motor can be used for that disconnect if it meets these criteria.

 

[charger0926]

Just a update...

Thanks for all of the help. As usual GJ helped me out and it is all wired up and is working just great

Thanks again.

Charger