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How to connect a (pilot?) light to a 220V circuit

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CoryB

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Apr 15, 2006
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31
I have a 220V air compressor that lives in a compressor shed hooked to my detached garage. It is on a dedicated circuit with a toggle light switch to turn it on and off. The problem is that I sometimes forget to turn the switch off when I leave - it's on the opposite side of the garage from the door. Since I don't go in there every day, the compressor will sometimes be powered for days and kick on and off to keep the tank fully charged.

Is there a way to hook some sort of light to the switch that will stay on as long as the switch is on? A light would get my attention when I turn off the bay lights to leave.

In my house are several 110V switches that glow when turned on. Is something like that available for 220? I'd rather not call an electrician unless necessary, but will if that's the best option.
 
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Wiz02

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CoryB said:
I have a 220V air compressor that lives in a compressor shed hooked to my detached garage. It is on a dedicated circuit with a toggle light switch to turn it on and off. The problem is that I sometimes forget to turn the switch off when I leave - it's on the opposite side of the garage from the door. Since I don't go in there every day, the compressor will sometimes be powered for days and kick on and off to keep the tank fully charged.

Is there a way to hook some sort of light to the switch that will stay on as long as the switch is on? A light would get my attention when I turn off the bay lights to leave.

In my house are several 110V switches that glow when turned on. Is something like that available for 220? I'd rather not call an electrician unless necessary, but will if that's the best option.
Click to expand...
You can buy 240vac LEDs from Jeff's jungle site (attribution to @kaymccampbell ) that you can hook to the load side of the switch. This will light the LED as long as the switch is on.

I did this by mounting my 240vac motor load rated switch in a 2 gang box, and modifying the 2 gang cover (one side opening for a switch and the other blank) to have a hole for the LED.

The job wasn't hard, but as to whether you can DIY, it sort of is like the old saying, if you need to ask the price, you probably can't afford it.
 
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Bert_

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The Cobbler said:
should be easy to obtain a 240v pilot light , or wiring in 2 @ 120v in series will work . you can use the existing switch
Click to expand...
Two in series definitely works. Need to be identical though. For 240v you can probably find the right bulb.

I did that one with (2) 240v ice cube relays. Needed 480v but they don't make that coil voltage.
 
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N_Jay

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pima67 said:
Or big sign(s) at exit door(s) "Turn Off Compressor" Save your $$ for something else.:)
Click to expand...
These days the sign is more than the LED.

I put a small LED on each 220 outlet in my shop.
I can quickly see if the welder, saw. or lift outlets are on.

Also, a good way to know if you pop a breaker.
 
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no704

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I’m sure you can get 220v lighted switches. Most of the rest of the world runs on 220.
 
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walta

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Just to be clear a 240 volt light would be a code violation in a residence. I am not saying never break a rule but one should be aware that they have made a choice if they do.

I would find an old phone charger in my junk box. Most are rated to operate on 240VAC and connect it to the compressor so it gets power when you want and connect the low voltage wires to a LED where you want it. Note you will generally need a resister in the circuit.

Walta
 
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Wiz02

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walta said:
Just to be clear a 240 volt light would be a code violation in a residence. I am not saying never break a rule but one should be aware that they have made a choice if they do.

I would find an old phone charger in my junk box. Most are rated to operate on 240VAC and connect it to the compressor so it gets power when you want and connect the low voltage wires to a LED where you want it. Note you will generally need a resister in the circuit.

Walta
Click to expand...
Just curious if you can cite chapter and verse where this is prohibited. I thought that if the led is UL listed and properly installed, you are good to go.
 
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mm08822

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walta said:
Just to be clear a 240 volt light would be a code violation in a residence. I am not saying never break a rule but one should be aware that they have made a choice if they do.

I would find an old phone charger in my junk box. Most are rated to operate on 240VAC and connect it to the compressor so it gets power when you want and connect the low voltage wires to a LED where you want it. Note you will generally need a resister in the circuit.

Walta
Click to expand...
But this is a detached garage, 210.6c applies. 210.6a does not.
 
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mm08822

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The Cobbler said:
How are 240volt construction heaters permitted to use them then?
Click to expand...
Bulbs burn out and when getting changed out, people sometimes stick their fingers in the socket.

A heater would be a little more difficult to get that type of exposure.
 
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Wiz02

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mm08822 said:
Read NEC 210.6.
Click to expand...
Not trying to be a code lawyer but I don't think that 210.6 applies to an indicator light.

NEC 210.6 specifies voltage limits for branch circuits based on their application and location. Here's a summary:

- **120 volts between conductors**: For circuits supplying lighting fixtures in dwelling units.
- **Over 120 volts but not exceeding 277 volts**: Allowed for certain lighting fixtures in commercial or industrial settings.

An indicator is generally not considered a lighting fixture. In the context of the NEC and electrical standards, a lighting fixture (or luminaire) is defined as a complete lighting unit designed to distribute, position, and protect light sources, such as lamps or LEDs. It includes components like reflectors, lenses, and housings.

Indicators, on the other hand, are typically small lights or signals used to convey information (e.g., status indicators on machinery or appliances). They are not designed to illuminate spaces or objects, which is a key characteristic of lighting fixtures.
 
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Firebrick43

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CoryB said:
I have a 220V air compressor that lives in a compressor shed hooked to my detached garage. It is on a dedicated circuit with a toggle light switch to turn it on and off. The problem is that I sometimes forget to turn the switch off when I leave - it's on the opposite side of the garage from the door. Since I don't go in there every day, the compressor will sometimes be powered for days and kick on and off to keep the tank fully charged.

Is there a way to hook some sort of light to the switch that will stay on as long as the switch is on? A light would get my attention when I turn off the bay lights to leave.

In my house are several 110V switches that glow when turned on. Is something like that available for 220? I'd rather not call an electrician unless necessary, but will if that's the best option.
Click to expand...
Are you sure a 240v switch is turning the compressor on/off directly?

Or is a 120v switch thru the pressure switch to a coil pulling in a contactor?
 
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mm08822

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Indicator lights come in many styles. While LED may come in a sealed housing ,hence disposable and limited shock potential, others do not. Incandescent style can easily be found with removable bezels and changeable bulbs.

With that, dummies can easily find a shock hazard and that's my guess as to why to keep that voltage out of dwelling "fixtures".
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Firebrick43 said:
Are you sure a 240v switch is turning the compressor on/off directly?

Or is a 120v switch thru the pressure switch to a coil pulling in a contactor?
Click to expand...
if the contactor coil is 240v, the switch will see 240v. the switch and the coil are not connected to ground or neutral on 1 side.
 
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Firebrick43

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wyliesdiesels said:
if the contactor coil is 240v, the switch will see 240v. the switch and the coil are not connected to ground or neutral on 1 side.
Click to expand...
Yes, IF its a 240v coil.

They make contactors that the control voltage is 120v or even 24v, although 24v would be dubious as you would need transformer or power supply as well but you never know.

120v contactors work perfectly well if a 4 wire feed (8/3?) is given or the 120 comes from another circuit(not wise but unfortunately seen done), or off one leg of the breaker in the box (if the breaker is rated for two wires off of a lug) as you have a neutral lug there.
Or the most proper way is to use an isolated transformer to drop it to 120v. Maybe its just too much time with industrial machinery where its forbidden but I would never run 240v control circuit, that left the machines electrical enclosure.

The op seems unsure of what exactly he is dealing with, and needs to verify the voltages. From his description it may well even be a motor rated switch and the pressure switch starting and stopping the compressor :dunno: Or may not be a motor rated switch? We don't know the hp/fla either?

Everyone is making suggestions with only two known facts

1. the motor itself is 240v

2 its mounted in a separate shed via a remote switch.

Any advice without asking for additional information is loaded with '***'umptions.
 
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wyliesdiesels

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Firebrick43 said:
Maybe its just too much time with industrial machinery where its forbidden but I would never run 240v control circuit, that left the machines electrical enclosure.
Click to expand...
majority of "consumer" and light commercial grade 240v compressors that have motor starters operate with 240v coils.... industrial machinery is a far cry different than what we are discussing here
 
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