Air Compressor Outside

[minytrker]

I decided to put my air compressor outside my new shop. I am building a 3x3 concrete pad out the back next to the building slab. I plan on building a roof that covers the compressor and keeps the compressor out of the weather and leave the bottom open for airflow. Also plan on:

1. manual shutoff valve on air soon as it comes in building
2. air compressor on own breaker so I can kill power to it from inside
3. pressure gauge to see tank pressure from inside

Anything I am overlooking or I should do differently? I am trying my hardest to plan everything out and do it once vs being in a hurry and forgetting something or having to redo it. Still deciding on how to plumb air throughout the building.

 

[tab2]

2.1. Exterior disconnect so you can turn the compressor off outside when you are standing next to it.

 

[minytrker]

2.1. Exterior disconnect so you can turn the compressor off outside when you are standing next to it.

Thanks! Completely overlooked that.

 

[landlord30]

Do you have a dryer of some sort on the system? I'm thinking about cool nights or mornings and you are running it and end Up with more water in the air. My garage is heated so the moisture wouldn't be as huge as if I had it outside.

 

[Jarwop]

How will you remember to drain water from the tank. Maybe run drain inside or electric valve on the drain.

 

[mechanic217]

How about an automatic drain outside on the tank?

 

[Cyberbear]

Also, when running the air line from the A/C to inside the shop, be sure to use a flexible hose to prevent vibration damage occurring over time. A variety of automatic tank drains are available, just choose the best for your needs. Be sure to make provisions against freezing during cold weather, that crankcase oil can get very thick. When wiring the unit it may be convenient to install a remote off/on station.

 

[ArmyVW_GuyInTX]

I've had my compressor outside next to my garage for years and all is well. I poured a 3x3 pad, and built an outhouse that encloses it but with plenty of air flow - Screening the openings would be a good idea to prevent the surprise wasp attacks when changing the oil and air filters - (lesson learned).

Flexi hose to ****** that passes thru my brick wall.
Sub panel in the garage
Disconnect outside for safe maintenance (lock out / tag out)
Cork / rubber blocks under the three feet for less vibration (available at HVAC supply houses)
I have a outside hose reel attached to the "outhouse" for driveway work, tires etc.
If no auto drain (i haven't picked one yet) make sure to extend the drain with a ball valve out of the enclosure to make draining the tank easy.
I don't see freezing temps here much at all - and if I do....I won't be doing car work.

 

[minytrker]

Thanks everyone. Lots of great ideas that I didnt think of.

 

[ads357]

So, I am thinking of doing the same thing, but I live in Michigan. I will obviously need to enclose it. Anyone have any other tips? I would love to see some pics.

 

[ABADWILLYS]

Here is mine before i put the door on, its on a 4'x4' slab, the door is a storm door, with about 1/2 the screen blocked off with aluminum, mine has been in there for 4 years, i do have a drain extended thru the wall, but no auto drain,
i used leftover metal panels from my build to enclose it. its nice not having it in the shop..

 

[R-Savage]

Here is mine before i put the door on, its on a 4'x4' slab, the door is a storm door, with about 1/2 the screen blocked off with aluminum, mine has been in there for 4 years, i do have a drain extended thru the wall, but no auto drain,
i used leftover metal panels from my build to enclose it. its nice not having it in the shop..

That's a good Idea. I want to do this for my Compressor setup

 

[rockwithjason]

if you completely enclose it you will need vents to 1. provide make up air for the air you are pumping into the tank 2. provide convection cooling in the summer months. i would place some near the top of the wall and some near the bottom. if you are going hog wild you can buy the ones with the automatic louvers that open up when the compressor is running. you may also want a small space heater or an oil heater for the deep winter