Switch upstairs for compressor downstairs possible

[machsnell]

I have my 240v 16.7fla compressor that I am putting in the basement of the house and I want to know how I can wire with a switch upstairs to be able to turn on and off without going downstairs.

I can put a disconnect in the basement near the compressor as well if needed it is 35 feet from panel.

Do I just need a 115 v 20a switch and a 240v 20a contactor?

As always thanks in advance gj sparkys!

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[Git]

There are a couple of ways of doing it - take a look at this thread first


https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=193219

 

[wyliesdiesels]

Does the compressor have a mag starter? Or just a pressure switch?

Contactors for motor circuits are sized by HP.

Sounds like yours is about 3HP....What does the nameplate list for HP?

 

[matt_i]

Here's an idea to kick around.

Sure you might want to enable it upstairs, but what about being down right next to it and forgetting to turn it on upstairs, so have to walk the cycle just to power up a piece of equipment you are standing right next to.

This idea uses a control transformer and a 3-way switch setup, so you also have one on the lower level...

 

[chrismenke]

You could also go the remote route:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBIRF5W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You'd need a smart home hub of some form, but you've got the rated amps with that switch, and you don't have to pull any wires.

 

[zmaxmotorsports]

240v contactor with a 120v coil and a couple 3 way switches.

 

[machsnell]

Does the compressor have a mag starter? Or just a pressure switch?

Contactors for motor circuits are sized by HP.

Sounds like yours is about 3HP....What does the nameplate list for HP?

I will check when I get back from snow removal duty.

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[machsnell]

You could also go the remote route:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MBIRF5W/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You'd need a smart home hub of some form, but you've got the rated Amos with that switch, and you don't have to pull any wires.

Interesting would be cool to turn on remotely before I got there but I have shotty internet at the house. Garage is actually connected to the guest house. I am in the process of figuring out how to improve network coverage.

I ran rg6 and cat 5e in the garage and will feed to guest house which is fed from the main house so I cam get better coverage there. I am just not sure what my best route is to go to get on my home network. I am illiterate in regards to the whole internet Wi-Fi connectivity routes to go. Whole new thread to come soon

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[machsnell]

240v contactor with a 120v coil and a couple 3 way switches.

Three ways to turn off and on upstairs or basement next to compressor correct? No disconnect needed if a 3 way down by compressor?

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[nkachur]

Another option would be to install a control contactor wired into your basement lights. Would add minimal cost and you could just pull power from your nearest light. The contactor would control the 240v supplying the compressor. I just did this in my shop.

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[matt_i]

Another option would be to install a control contactor wired into your basement lights. Would add minimal cost and you could just pull power from your nearest light. The contactor would control the 240v supplying the compressor. I just did this in my shop.

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If one did this I think a lot of extra labeling should be done, as you have one circuit breaker for the 120vac controls (+ lights) and another for the 240vac power.

Easy to make the mistake down the road that the double pole breaker is off and think its OK to perform work at zero energy but in actuality there's voltage present from another source.

The control transformer solves this issue as all energy comes from one breaker. Potentially one could bring a 4 wire feed to the compressor including neutral but I'm not sure how the code looks on that type of circuit.

 

[nkachur]

I tied the breakers and added a label on the front of the enclosure. So far everything works as well as expected.

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[nkachur]

If anyone is curious, here is the inside of the control enclosure.

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[machsnell]

Thanks for posting. I read your thread and that is an ingenious way to set up the compressor. I like the idea of a air valve to shut off and on the air at the compresssor to always have a charge.

Thx

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