I'm getting closer to building my work bench, I want to build an enclosed end to put an upright compressor in so it will be less noisy. However, I wonder if there will be problems with this idea, maybe over heating? The enclosed end will be about 24"x24"x42" high. I'm sure many people here have had experience with this.
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putting compressor in an enclosed area
- Thread starter NelsonC
- Start date
TwoInch
Well-known member
enclosing is a great idea, but it must be done properly.
keeping the compressor in an enclosure helps keep the unit clean and away from debris. it is also safer in the event of a tank rupture which is so incredibly rare, although a lot GJers would like people to believe otherwise.
take into account air flow for cooling. possibly install a vent and small exhaust or even a pushing fan directly at the compressor pump height, so the flow will fall across the head and cylinder of the pump. you will have no problem with a set up like this. it sounds like you arent planning on using the compressor for long periods of time using air hog tools, so its not a huge concern either way if this is the case.
keeping the compressor in an enclosure helps keep the unit clean and away from debris. it is also safer in the event of a tank rupture which is so incredibly rare, although a lot GJers would like people to believe otherwise.
take into account air flow for cooling. possibly install a vent and small exhaust or even a pushing fan directly at the compressor pump height, so the flow will fall across the head and cylinder of the pump. you will have no problem with a set up like this. it sounds like you arent planning on using the compressor for long periods of time using air hog tools, so its not a huge concern either way if this is the case.
If the enclosure will be up against an outside wall, consider putting a small, screened opening in the wall. Or, put two small ones, one higher and one lower, both screened of course. If you are concerned with low winter temperatures, build a small hinged door for the opening(s). I've done this on a couple of occasions. For that small a compressor, I doubt a fan will be needed for cooling.
jwith68
Well-known member
I have a utility closet in my shop that is about 32"D x 60"W x 7'6"H. It has a 48" double door on the long side, that opens into the garage side of my building, as opposed to the shop. The closet has no outside walls, there is a 60" x 80" bathroom in between it and the north outside wall. It houses a 60 gallon single stage upright compressor and a 50 gallon electric water heater. Since it breathes from the garage side, it can get pretty warm during the summer, especially if I have the compressor running a lot.
So, just above the double doors, I put a ~100 CFM muffin fan on an adjustable, close-on-rise vent fan thermostat (direct switched, rated 5A I think.) The doors fit reasonably tight, but there is a ~3/4" gap at the bottom to the floor. If the closet gets above the preset temp (think its set at about 90°F) the fan will kick on and draw hot air off the top of the closet, while cooler air will replace it off the floor. At 100 CFM, the entire volume of air in the closet will be changed in about 1 minute, so its pretty effective. That said, it has only kicked on a very few times in the 6 years the compressor and water heater have both been in there. This was a cheap solution too, muffin fan was free and the thermostat and misc. wiring was ~$20.
So, just above the double doors, I put a ~100 CFM muffin fan on an adjustable, close-on-rise vent fan thermostat (direct switched, rated 5A I think.) The doors fit reasonably tight, but there is a ~3/4" gap at the bottom to the floor. If the closet gets above the preset temp (think its set at about 90°F) the fan will kick on and draw hot air off the top of the closet, while cooler air will replace it off the floor. At 100 CFM, the entire volume of air in the closet will be changed in about 1 minute, so its pretty effective. That said, it has only kicked on a very few times in the 6 years the compressor and water heater have both been in there. This was a cheap solution too, muffin fan was free and the thermostat and misc. wiring was ~$20.
Last edited:
Sunnfjordingen
Active member
Great thread. Have been thinking about this myself for a while, does anyone have some drawings or pictures of a cabinet like this?
Zeke
Well-known member
Leave plenty of room above the compressor for the heat to move up and then out through your vent. You don't need a bunch of heat reflecting back down to the unit.