Air Compressor Timer

[Kraig]

Anyone using a timer to control the time of day that your compressor runs? I currently have it inside and while it runs only once a day if not in use as the result of the auto drain, I'd rather that not be in the middle of the night. Kids bedrooms are over the garage. It's not a loud unit, 7.5hp Belaire 60gallon, with the pump speed reduced from the 1375 to about 800 RPM making it super quiet. The speed reduction only added 1.5 min to fill time from empty and little effect on running when sandblasting etc. I may move it to a small outhouse next to the garage at some point, but there again I don't want it running at night. Residential area so can't make all the neighbors unhappy!

I was thinking if a timer but don't see one rated for a 7.5hp motor. The intermatic T20000R is 240V60 Amp but only shows a 5hp motor rating.

Anyone have any experience in this area?

Thanks

 

[ybnormal70]

You only need to cut power at the pressure switch. Any timer switch should accomplish this I believe. I am assuming you are using a motor starter or a contactor of some kind with it being controlled by the pressure switch.

Kevin

 

[redmondjp]

If you have a 7.5HP motor, you have a motor starter. This makes it very easy to add a timer. You have a control circuit that the pressure switch is a part of, which controls power to the contactor coil in the starter. You need to interrupt this circuit with the timer.

Does your existing control setup not even have an on/off switch? You could just add one of those and turn it off when you are done at the end of the day.

 

[Kraig]

I will have to look into that on the pressure switch side. That didn't occur to me, but I assume that will be easier to find a timer for and less expensive. Should be 110 and only 30 amps I assume as it's probably only one leg to the 220/60amp line.

Yes, I have an on off switch but if I am not in the garage for a few days or week even and then go to use the compressor, it won't have any air in it due to the auto drain I have installed. I like having it ready when I need it and not wait for it to fill up..impatient maybe as it only takes five minutes or so to fill from empty.

 

[sberry]

If its not being used why is the auto drain on?

 

[Kraig]

Auto drain is on to keep the tank clear of condensation while full of air. I like it ready when I need it so it's always full and ready to go.