Compressor electric on/off switch what to do or use?

[BLACK DEATH]

It's a dual stage compressor running on 220. I use the breaker to turn it off & on when not in use or in use. Is there an easier way to turn it off & on other than a breaker? Some one told me to use a light switch but is this correct and will it mess anything up? Is there anything that's perfect for this application? A pic of what to do will be very help full also. Thank you

 

[coljar]

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Even though breakers are not intended for this purpose, I use it in the same manner as you're doing for my compressor. The breaker panel is next to the man door and I have a panel board light next to it that is lit red when the breaker is on. I am at work, so I'm showing one simular to what I used. It is hooked to one hot and the neutral.

 

[justsam]

A light switch is not the proper solution. I would want to switch both sides of the 240 requiring the use of a double pole switch.

Requirements for switches that control motors are based primarily on horsepower as opposed to current. Can you send a pic of the motor data label? That will be the best way for forum members to provide the information you need.

There are many solutions that will work, but only specific ones that are safe and code compliant.

If the breaker is easy enough to access and use, I would just use it. Try not to turn it on or off while the compressor is running so the compressor can complete it's cycle. Circuit breakers are rated for far more ON/OFF cycles than they are for TRIPPING cycles. Make sure it is clearly marked what it is and the ON/OFF position.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Two stage compressor screams 5 hp or more. Probably need something heavier than a double pole snap switch.

Charles

 

[BLACK DEATH]

I will get the pic of the motor data tomorrow. Here is the compressor I have incase anyone knows ....
http://www.aircompressorsdirect.com/Campbell-Hausfeld-XP5810-Air-Compressor/p392.html

 

[pattenp]

How about an A/C disconnect switch?
http://www.zoro.com/i/G1952517/?utm...pid=G1952517&gclid=CJPyq82uiMICFeti7AodzxIAnA

 

[Lu-Max]

Square D D222N (or GE TG3222)

 

[wyliesdiesels]

A light switch is not the proper solution. I would want to switch both sides of the 240 requiring the use of a double pole switch.

Requirements for switches that control motors are based primarily on horsepower as opposed to current. Can you send a pic of the motor data label? That will be the best way for forum members to provide the information you need.

There are many solutions that will work, but only specific ones that are safe and code compliant.

If the breaker is easy enough to access and use, I would just use it. Try not to turn it on or off while the compressor is running so the compressor can complete it's cycle. Circuit breakers are rated for far more ON/OFF cycles than they are for TRIPPING cycles. Make sure it is clearly marked what it is and the ON/OFF position.

If the OPs compressor has a magnetic stater, a light switch would b perfectly fine as it would switch the coil in the starter on and off!!

 

[WhoWhatNow]

My compressor is in the basement. I use a 5 hp rated manual motor controller in the garage to control the circuit powering the pump. Look just like a normal switch in the garage. I also have a light wired in so I always know when the circuit is energized.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MPQ51O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Lu-Max]

WhoWhatNow - Does your compressor have a magnetic starter or does this switch handle the full 30A/240V switched load? Thanks.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

I don't think I have a magnetic starter. If its a box to the side mounted with wires going to the motor, then no I do not.
Wires go from the breaker to the pressure switch area only then to the motor.

 

[404]

Wire a remote single pole switch that interrupts one of the wires to the pressure switch.

Regards,
404

 

[ridefst]

5HP isn't a problem for a manual motor switch - it looks like a light switch, but does break both lines.
http://www.mcmaster.com/#7657k36

 

[justsam]

My compressor is in the basement. I use a 5 hp rated manual motor controller in the garage to control the circuit powering the pump. Look just like a normal switch in the garage. I also have a light wired in so I always know when the circuit is energized.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002MPQ51O/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have a need for a 5HP rated switch as you described, however when I go to your link, I see that this is a 30Amp rated switch, and I do not think 30Amps will comply with NEC for a 5 HP. Certainly it will work but just wonder about NEC compliance.

 

[WhoWhatNow]

WhoWhatNow - Does your compressor have a magnetic starter or does this switch handle the full 30A/240V switched load? Thanks.

Both. I have a mag switch which you need when using a standard pressure switch. The motor rated switch allows me to turn the circuit on and off even if the mag switch is "on".

I have a need for a 5HP rated switch as you described, however when I go to your link, I see that this is a 30Amp rated switch, and I do not think 30Amps will comply with NEC for a 5 HP. Certainly it will work but just wonder about NEC compliance.

Sorry, that was just the first link I pulled up. Mine is a 40 Amp rated switch. I think they make up to 50 Amps.

 

[Mongo68]

50A contactor ( think from commercial HVAC compressor- got it at Grainger) with a 24v coil using a sprinkler transformer on a switched circuit (like a light switch). Only have to run the low voltage from the 24v to the contactor near the compressor. Even used a lighted switch... Not sure about huge compressors though, so your mileage may vary on the contactor...

 

[sberry]

If these systems are not leaking you could almost never have to start it under load with the breaker.

 

[keating]

Sorry, that was just the first link I pulled up. Mine is a 40 Amp rated switch. I think they make up to 50 Amps.

My underdstanding is that motor control switches are rated by HP and not current. If you look at the Leviton page for that switch, you can see that the 30A model is rated to 5hp on 240V

 

[Lu-Max]

I spoke with a Leviton Tech Rep today, he said no problem whatsoever switching a 5HP 230V, two-stage, non-magnetic starter air compressor on a 30A/230V dedicated circuit with the Leviton MS302-DS. Only $26 for the switch.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

My understanding is that motor control switches are rated by HP and not current. If you look at the Leviton page for that switch, you can see that the 30A model is rated to 5hp on 240V

Yes thats correct. Anything motor related is rated by HP NOT amps....

 

[gatorgrabber]

FWIW, that's the exact switch I decided upon yesterday for the same 5hp application; got it from Amazon.

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Got a link to that switch?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I actually just installed one of these the other day for our shop compressor. Works great!

Blackdeath:
http://m.platt.com/platt-electric-s...e-Type/Leviton/MS302/Products.aspx?pid=214415

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?k=leviton+ms302ds

 

[BLACK DEATH]

So that will work perfect & ill have no issues with using it?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Works for me. What issues are u thinking of?

 

[justsam]

NEC states 28 amps for 5HP.
if you take the 1.25 factor you are talking a 35 Amp circuit, so you are using a 30 Amp rated switch to switch a 35 amp circuit.
clearly we know that modern motors FLA is less than the NEC 28 amps, but the above is what is in the charts.

 

[bochnak]

I used a similar switch - Bryant 3002D

http://www.westwayelectricsupply.com/30002d-motor-cont-2p-30a-600v-ms90.html

 

[tmshort]

I've been using the same Leviton switch on my 220V compressor for several years. Working great.

http://www.amazon.com/Leviton-MS302-DS-Disconnect-Industrial-Non-Grounding/dp/B002MPQ51O/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1416664779&sr=1-1&keywords=30+amp+motor+switch

Cover to go with it:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003I86HFI/

 

[gatorgrabber]

Tmshort, does that cover come with a box? I just purchased that exact switch and was wondering how to best mount it.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

NEC states 28 amps for 5HP.
if you take the 1.25 factor you are talking a 35 Amp circuit, so you are using a 30 Amp rated switch to switch a 35 amp circuit.
clearly we know that modern motors FLA is less than the NEC 28 amps, but the above is what is in the charts.

Equipment for motor circuits is rated by HP not amps...If thr switch was used for something other than a motor then thr amp rating applies. Thats at least how i understand the code...

Tmshort, does that cover come with a box? I just purchased that exact switch and was wondering how to best mount it.

Nope doesnt come with a box. A box and cover needs to be purchased separately...

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Thanks guys but does lowes or honpme depot sell. Something similar or what exactly do I look or search for?

 

[alfredeneuman]

To my knowledge Lowes or HD do not carry them.

They do, however, sell 30 Amp switches that aren't the one you need. All 30 Amp switches are not "created equal".

I have one of the correct ones on my truck right now, to be installed on a job tomorrow.

 

[tmshort]

Tmshort, does that cover come with a box? I just purchased that exact switch and was wondering how to best mount it.

I'm pretty sure it did come with a box; I seem to recall opening the package and finding both the cover and a box. Mine is mounted to a stud and has a metal box; the images on Amazon show a box. Plus, the box is unlike any of the other metal boxes I have used for wiring in the shop, so my guess is it came with the cover.

T.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I'm pretty sure it did come with a box; I seem to recall opening the package and finding both the cover and a box. Mine is mounted to a stud and has a metal box; the images on Amazon show a box. Plus, the box is unlike any of the other metal boxes I have used for wiring in the shop, so my guess is it came with the cover.

T.

I bought the same switch at Platt and it didnt come with a box or cover...

Thanks guys but does lowes or honpme depot sell. Something similar or what exactly do I look or search for?

No HD and Lowes doesnt sell it. Its a specialty item that they probably dont see a point in selling. Do u have a Grainger near u?

 

[keating]

I bought the same switch at Platt and it didnt come with a box or cover...

The switch doesn't come with a box or cover, but TMShort linked to a separate cover.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003I86HFI/
Gatorgrabber was asking if that cover came with a box, or just the cover.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Whoops. Thats what i get for speed reading...

 

[BLACK DEATH]

Yes I have grainier close to me.
But any part number?

 

[Mike Honcho]

I actually just installed one of these the other day for our shop compressor. Works great!

Blackdeath:
http://m.platt.com/platt-electric-s...e-Type/Leviton/MS302/Products.aspx?pid=214415

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?k=leviton+ms302ds

does this satisfy code as a "disconnect"?

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Yes I have grainier close to me.
But any part number?

http://m.grainger.com/mobile/product/LEVITON-Disconn-Switch-5HYT2

Pretty expensive! Grainger is a rip off. Gonna run u about 2x as Platt. Amazon might be cheaper even with shipping!

does this satisfy code as a "disconnect"?

Yes

 

[Mike Honcho]

ok, last hi jack,

Will a standard 4x4 box cover fit this switch, or does it need a specific cover. Thanks