switched outlet

[Garage5.9]

Im looking to put a switch inline with a outlet i plan on putting on the side of my garage. The outlet will be for my 120v craftsman 30gallon compressor. Im tired of always flipping the switch on and off and running a extension cord. My only concern is will i be overloading the switch running a compressor ? I'm talking a regular light switch

 

[nehog]

IIRC they do make switches designed for higher currents... (Heck, I've got wall switches designed for three phase!)

A 'regular' household switch would perhaps last a week or two before it failed, likely causing a fire!

Personally, I'd use a contactor (relay), but I have a bunch of them sitting on the shelf as well... That would avoid the voltage drop issues with the extra wiring to the switch, and limit the requirement for a high current switch (which, BTW, won't be cheap!) I did this with my high power metal halide lighting, switches that control a relay set in a control box. Made wiring much easier, too...

 

[Charles (in GA)]

You need what looks like a light switch, but is much heavier built, and rated at 20 amps (or 30 amps) and is marked on it as "motor rated".

HERE is a motor rated 20 amp Leviton double pole switch. It should have an actual horsepower marked on the switch, usually on the metal strap. You do not need to use both sets of contacts, just run in the screws on the unused set of terminals.

Charles

 

[theoldwizard1]

You need what looks like a light switch, but is much heavier built, and rated at 20 amps (or 30 amps) and is marked on it as "motor rated".

HERE is a motor rated 20 amp Leviton double pole switch.

Don't confuse the poor guy with a double pole switch for a 120V circuit !

For a 120V circuit he needs a single pole, single throw Leviton CSB1-20. It is rated at 20A and 1 HP. Hopefully the OP has 12 gauge wiring !

 

[Charles (in GA)]

Don't confuse the poor guy with a double pole switch for a 120V circuit !

For a 120V circuit he needs a single pole, single throw Leviton CSB1-20. It is rated at 20A and 1 HP. Hopefully the OP has 12 gauge wiring !

I could not find a example of a single pole motor rated switch quickly. You are correct however, no need for the double pole if you can find the single pole. The key is having the horsepower rating on the switch.

Charles

 

[Garage5.9]

Thanks guys , Should i look for a 20 amp rated outlet too or what ?

 

[mrb]

.........oops

 

[ForceFed70]

i have to 500 watt energy consumption per day. is 20 amp outlet is far enough?

I'm sorry, but your question does not make any sense.

20A outlet/circuit at 120V is capable of supplying up to 4800Watts if that is what you are asking.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Thanks guys , Should i look for a 20 amp rated outlet too or what ?

To answer that question I need to ask 2 questions

1. What size breaker is on that circuit ?
2. What size wire is used from the breaker panel to the switch and outlet ?

 

[Garage5.9]

To answer that question I need to ask 2 questions

1. What size breaker is on that circuit ?
2. What size wire is used from the breaker panel to the switch and outlet ?

I was thinking of adding another dedicated circuit just for this. Is 12g wire enough or should i go with 10 ?