On/off light for compressor

[tmshort]

I have my 60 gal single stage compressor under the stairs by the back door to the shop (the door I mainly use).

I have this switch installed to turn the compressor on/off when I leave. It is still easy to forget:



I would like to wire in some sort Of indicator light as a reminder to switch it off. I’m pretty comfortable with basic wiring, but am baffled as to the best way to do this.

Any suggestions? I am open to suggestions on what type of light, etc.

Thanks

 

[The Cobbler]

What is the breaker size for the compressor? and is it 240 volts?

 

[tmshort]

30A breaker, #10 wire 240V

 

[Citation]

Consider wiring something like this in with the wall switch. You may have to get a double gang box.

Amazon.com

 

[The Cobbler]

I would think a 240 volt pilot light would be the easiest, across the switched hot leads .
also 2 X 120 volt in series would work too
not sure of it's code complaint tho?

 

[The Cobbler]

something like this https://www.ebay.com/itm/123718930545?hash=item1cce391071:g:Ef4AAOSwh41au12f

 

[RivennHewn]

Go with a lighted push/pull switch.

https://www.grainger.com/product/22KT86?gucid=N:N:PS:Paid:MS:CSM-2293:MOO74J:20501231&s_kwcid=AL!2966!10!78958825153676!4582558323844492&ef_id=2505d29e3e00193ab7d4b32b46f38290:G:s&msclkid=2505d29e3e00193ab7d4b32b46f38290&gclid=2505d29e3e00193ab7d4b32b46f38290&gclsrc=3p.ds

 

[mikedodge]

We have this motor switch for our outside plug for that very reason of having a light. You'd have to find the right amperage since they're multiple sizes.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

30A breaker, #10 wire 240V

whats the HP rating on the compressor?

 

[PoorUB]

It has been discussed before, but I wired my compressor pressure switch controls through a relay into the lighting circuit . No lights, not compressor. If you don't have a motor starter on the compressor you would have to rewire and add one.

 

[MFortie]

I’d like to do the lighting relay for my compressor too, but am having trouble finding correct relay.

Mine’s a Quincy QT-54, 5HP, 24A draw per the cutsheet, and it’s connected to a 40A, 240V breaker (sits right next to the panel).

I can find 30A relays all day long, but no 40A (my GoogleFu must be weak).

Any help?

 

[yatg]

I can find 30A relays all day long, but no 40A (my GoogleFu must be weak).

Search for "HVAC contactor".

here's an example. its 3 pole but has a 240v coil.

Pardon Our Interruption...

 

[MFortie]

Search for "HVAC contactor".

here's an example. its 3 pole but has a 240v coil.

Pardon Our Interruption...

Thank you.

I’ve been doing a little reading on the forum about this. Since my comp has a magnetic starter, am I better off connecting a lower amperage relay into the starter circuit or doing the higher amperage contactor in the motor circuit?

I also am adding the ‘soft start’ ball valve to the system.

Never mind; it’s just a pressure switch, not a mag starter. I was looking at something different apparently.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Thank you.

I’ve been doing a little reading on the forum about this. Since my comp has a magnetic starter, am I better off connecting a lower amperage relay into the starter circuit or doing the higher amperage contactor in the motor circuit?

I also am adding the ‘soft start’ ball valve to the system.

Never mind; it’s just a pressure switch, not a mag starter. I was looking at something different apparently.

If your compressor already has a magnetic starter then you woulsnt add another contactor to switch the motor load.

Just switch the coil side of the existing contactor. Make sure you get a 240v rated snap switch

 

[PoorUB]

I’d like to do the lighting relay for my compressor too, but am having trouble finding correct relay.

Mine’s a Quincy QT-54, 5HP, 24A draw per the cutsheet, and it’s connected to a 40A, 240V breaker (sits right next to the panel).

I can find 30A relays all day long, but no 40A (my GoogleFu must be weak).

Any help?

A 5HP quincy should have a motor starter and a low amperage control citcuit coming off the pressure switch that handles just the load of the contactor, probably less than 1/2 amp. wire the relay to break that control circuit. Any relay with contacts rated for 240 volt and a 120 volt coil will do. I used a Rib relay U1C

I looked, wow! there is just a pressure switch rated for the motor load. I would have never guessed!

In that case you will need a 30 amp contactor with a 120 volt coil, and mount it inside some sort of electrical box.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001KGSJ74/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[wyliesdiesels]

some compressors just have a pressure switch even though a mag starter would be far better

 

[PoorUB]

some compressors just have a pressure switch even though a mag starter would be far better

Well aware of that, I was just surprised a "real" 5 HP compressor had just a pressure switch rated for the motor load. I have seen it done on smaller compressors.

 

[Citation]

Several have suggested getting a relay. I'm not seeing why. My impression is the intent is to have a light that is on when the wall switch is sending power to the compressor. For that you just need to wire a 240V light in parallel to the compressor power line.

A relay powered by a switched 120V circuit would let you put lights or a switched out let + lamp on the same circuit that powered the relay. That may be helpful if the intent is to tie turning off the shop lights with powering down the compressor. However, it seems more complicated vs just adding a 240V neon or LED lamp. If the compressor is in a visible location the 240V light could be wired to the pressure switch instead of the wall power switch.

Here is a multi-voltage (including 240V) stack light. Attach this to the compressor and tie the power lines into the leads going into your pressure switch.

Menics PTE-A-1FF-R-B 1 Stack LED Tower Light, Red, Pole Mount, 90-240V

Menics PTE-A-1FF-R-B 1 stack steady LED tower light has a 56mm diameter. Rated for 90-240V. Red lens. Prewired with 25' lead. Mounting hardware sold separately.

www.productsforautomation.com

 

[PoorUB]

Several have suggested getting a relay. I'm not seeing why.

There is two lines of conversation going on. One with just a light, another discussing controlling the compressor through the lighting circuit using a contactor or relay. Try to keep up!

 

[Steve W.]

I took a different approach (of course). My compressor is virtually always ON, with pressure in the tank. I have a ball valve that will allow air into the lines that go through the shop. Just downstream of that ball valve is a regulator. There is a gauge on one side and a plug on the other, so you can move the gauge, if necessary. I removed the plug and installed a brake switch from a motorcycle, then connected a 12-volt wall wart power supply and a trailer marker light by the exit door. Now, if there is pressure in the lines, the light is ON. As I leave, that is a reminder to turn off the ball valve and bleed pressure at one of the drops. The compressor/tank assembly is tight enough that it might take a couple of days to lose enough air for the compressor to kick on, but if the ball valve is open, that time is reduced to just a few hours.

.

 

[exranger06]

I've posted this before, but this is how I did it (see pics). I ran a neutral wire to the switch to power the 120V light. The light turns on whenever the toggle switch is on. The automatic tank drain also runs every 20 mins or so, but only when the switch is on.