Compressor disconnect switch location

[danroy323]

I built a closet in a corner of the garage for the compressor (5HP 60Gal) to isolate the noise. Is there a rule to follow as to where to put the disconnect, in the closet or outside the closet? There is no switch on the compressor, it is made to be hard wired and I want to use a fused 30A 240V disconnect to control it. My father always used the circuit breaker in his garage panel to switch his but I want something more convenient than that!

Thanks,
Dan

 

[pattenp]

The switch can be in the closet or outside the closet just as long as it is easily accessible. I would place it outside so I wouldn't have to open the closet to turn it on or off. You should add an indicator light so you can easily see if the switch is on.

 

[sberry]

Put it outside the closet in a convenient place. near the machine as possible. I like to leave things obvious as to where it goes and what it does. Mine are plug and cord, sit next to a panel, no mystery and are on 24/7. No turning on/off manually, I guess if I was a weekend warrior I might be tempted to turn the thing off or if I was leaving for extended period un attended but in my case air is another one of the utilities like electric and water, want it on demand.
One of the reasons to have additional disconnect is if the breaker panel is out of the way, out of sight, ideally there should be a service means, so someone working on it knows, no way is it going to start and the power is disconnected.
As a user I let the pressure switch do the work, once the system is full the comp is off, got the bottom plumbed to let a little water off on occasion. This reminds me I want to oil change my main, its been years since the power was even interrupted to it.

 

[Falcon67]

I used a locking plug and socket in my compressor closet. The compressor is mounted on a floating platform to reduce noise, so for service I can pull the plug, disconnect the 3/4 air feed line and pull the whole thing out with a two wheeler.

 

[danroy323]

The switch can be in the closet or outside the closet just as long as it is easily accessible. I would place it outside so I wouldn't have to open the closet to turn it on or off. You should add an indicator light so you can easily see if the switch is on.

This is my plan, outside the enclosure so I don't have to open the door each time. I was just wondering if it was legal to have a disconnect in a room controlling a machine in "another" room, if you can call a 50 x 50in closet a room.

Thanks!

Dan

 

[pattenp]

The only requirement is the disconnect has to be within sight of the motor and the driven machinery. I don't think your compressor closet qualifies as a room.

 

[sberry]

This was the motivation to pull my main comp out today, pressure washed it, fixed gaurd, worked on enclosure, give it its 15 yr oil change, re-plumb some drains I left awkward, worked on it most of the day. Was tempted to take a couple pics but figure people have seen comps on a pallet jack. The oil looked great, didn't seem like it had much water, the synth is so far superior to the oil of old I think, looks like it might have been good almost indefinitely.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I think code says not to exceed 50 ft from the equipment AND within direct line of sight of the equipment. If its fully enclosed in a closet, I would think it would need to be installed inside of the closet. Nothing says that there cannot be another, more convenient disconnect, somewhere else in the circuit.

You can bypass this requirement if you have a permanently installed means of locking the circuit breaker or disconnect.

Charles

 

[straightup]

I think code says not to exceed 50 ft from the equipment AND within direct line of sight of the equipment. If its fully enclosed in a closet, I would think it would need to be installed inside of the closet. Nothing says that there cannot be another, more convenient disconnect, somewhere else in the circuit.

You can bypass this requirement if you have a permanently installed means of locking the circuit breaker or disconnect.

Charles

Bingo. Although I think the exception you're referencing is related to remote motors. I don't think the compressor motor can be considered remote.
I'd put it in the closet. But I'd use a motor rated 2 pole switch, mounted in a 4square deep box with industrial raised cover and locking switch plate adapter. I just did this exact install for a client last week.
This keeps the box small(good for tight clearances) and inexpensive.
Does the compressor require fuse protection?
I assume it's got it's own circuit breaker and includes a motor starter with overload protection?

 

[pattenp]

danroy323, if this is in your personal garage/shop and you want to put the disconnect on the outside of the closet then you go right ahead. Don't worry about the splitting of hairs over the code requirements.

 

[danroy323]

danroy323, if this is in your personal garage/shop and you want to put the disconnect on the outside of the closet then you go right ahead. Don't worry about the splitting of hairs over the code requirements.

That's what I was thinking!!! Yes it's in my personal shop. I keep air pressure on at all time but like to cut power to the compressor when I leave so that in case a hose or line would burst when i'm not there the compressor wouldn't run all day...

Thanks all for your inputs!

Dan

 

[PRH44]

As long as your disconnect or breaker has a permanent means for a lock to be applied. You can install it anywhere you like.

 

[PT Doc]

Bingo. Although I think the exception you're referencing is related to remote motors. I don't think the compressor motor can be considered remote.
I'd put it in the closet. But I'd use a motor rated 2 pole switch, mounted in a 4square deep box with industrial raised cover and locking switch plate adapter. I just did this exact install for a client last week.
This keeps the box small(good for tight clearances) and inexpensive.
Does the compressor require fuse protection?
I assume it's got it's own circuit breaker and includes a motor starter with overload protection?

What is a locking switch plate adapter?

 

[kyles974]

The switch can be in the closet or outside the closet just as long as it is easily accessible. I would place it outside so I wouldn't have to open the closet to turn it on or off. You should add an indicator light so you can easily see if the switch is on.

I like the light idea!

 

[OccupantRJ]

A compressor can be wired with a contactor and controlled by the general lighting switch, so anytime you are not in the garage, the compressor is off. Be sure your compressor can cool itself in a small enclosed space. Not the answer to your original question, but you might want to consider the idea.

 

[danroy323]

A compressor can be wired with a contactor and controlled by the general lighting switch, so anytime you are not in the garage, the compressor is off. Be sure your compressor can cool itself in a small enclosed space. Not the answer to your original question, but you might want to consider the idea.

I purchased a 30A 2 pole fused Eaton disconnect switch. I will install it outside of the enclosure just beside the light switches.

I'm planning on installing a bathroom fan to have air circulation in the enclosure. It will run of the compressor switch so anytime the compressor starts the fan will start.

Dan

 

[OccupantRJ]

I purchased a 30A 2 pole fused Eaton disconnect switch. I will install it outside of the enclosure just beside the light switches.

I'm planning on installing a bathroom fan to have air circulation in the enclosure. It will run of the compressor switch so anytime the compressor starts the fan will start.

Dan

That sounds like a good plan.

 

[pop pop]

Danroy, Charles in Ga has given you correct information. Codes can be a PIA, but the next owner may not understand. Line of sight is important for safety.

 

[KCarGuy]

I have My Compressor inside its own room (in the garage), and I am a fan of the Disconnect being inside the room with the Compressor.
It forces you to open the door and check the compressor once in a while.
I turn it off every night, as well as turn off the main Ball Valve to shut off any Air to the Garage.