Indicator light for compressor

[ForceFed70]

Was talking to an electrician about a disconnect/switch for my compressor plug 240V/30A. He said that there are 30A toggle switches available that will do the job.

I mentioned that I would like to have an indicator light that would come on when the compressor plug was on.

He said something to the tune of "I'll have to look into it. It will be difficult because you would need to use a light/fixture capable of handling 30A for it to pass inspection".

I'm confused. Does the fixture need to be rated for 30A? Can I get away with just using cable (10/2) rated for 30A but use a standard 240V fixture (or even a couple of 120V's in series)?

 

[spy604]

here is a 30A wall switch that lights up when on.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/LEVITON-Wall-Switch-2WEU5?Pid=search

 

[gatchel]

what is the HP rating of your compressor?

 

[Wackerjr]

here is a 30A wall switch that lights up when on.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/LEVITON-Wall-Switch-2WEU5?Pid=search

Rated for 120v... Compressor is 240v

 

[spy604]

Rated for 120v... Compressor is 240v

120V 2-Pole. 120v per leg X 2 hots. The switch will work just fine.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Kinda odd, the description of the switch says "red" for color, but the pic is green. if you examine the switch in the pic, or the 20 amp switch (which is red in color) both with pilot light handles, and look at the markings on the strap, they both say 120v-277v.

The only reason I could see for restricting the switch to 120v would be the pilot, not able to handle 277v (industrial lighting is usually 277v per leg).

Charles

 

[spy604]

Kinda odd, the description of the switch says "red" for color, but the pic is green. if you examine the switch in the pic, or the 20 amp switch (which is red in color) both with pilot light handles, and look at the markings on the strap, they both say 120v-277v.

The only reason I could see for restricting the switch to 120v would be the pilot, not able to handle 277v (industrial lighting is usually 277v per leg).

Charles

I think the color refers to the pilot, not the body.

I assume it was listed for 120v only, for that exact purpose. Its only rated for 120v each leg, listing it as 240v/277v would make one think it could handle that voltage on one leg, which isn't true. The switch would only see 120v to neutral at a time with residential 240v (split phase - or whatever you want to call it, not getting in that argument right now)

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You are correct, wasn't even thinking about pilot light color. I looked at another pilot light model, 20a, single pole, "white", and it has a white toggle, it too says 120-277 on the strap in the pic.

Will have to look at some of them the next time I'm in Grainger.

Charles

 

[ForceFed70]

what is the HP rating of your compressor?

Don't have a 240V compressor. Just adding a 240V 30A plug for future compressor.

 

[Aceman]

Seeing that the switch is in the down position won't work huh?

I honestly don't know if they make a 2 pole 30 amp switch with a pilot light, I'd have to ask my supplier.

 

[ForceFed70]

Seeing that the switch is in the down position won't work huh?

I honestly don't know if they make a 2 pole 30 amp switch with a pilot light, I'd have to ask my supplier.

I'd like something that I can easily see from the man door/exit so I can check as I am locking up for the night.

 

[cnc-me]

Just use a disconnect, and drill a hole for a neon or LED pilot light.
Automation direct has some decent pilot lights that are fairly cheap.

 

[RAYJAY]

just do this .....

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