To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

switching a 220 circuit

O

oiler

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 21, 2006
Messages
51
Location
Cold Lake Alberta Canada
Hi all I'm just wondering how to go about this
I want to be able to switch my compressor on/off from the other side of the shop
It will be a 220 circuit but I'm not sure about the switch rating or type?
I am in the process of wiring the shop and thought it would be a nice feature
Thanks for the help
Jeff
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
V

Voltron

Member
Joined
Aug 23, 2008
Messages
22
Location
New Zealand
Will be expensive and difficult if you run the main feeds for the compressor across the shop[ and back again. Most common way to achieve this sort of "remote switching" si to have the compressor controlled by a contactor, with a circuit off the the contactor coil across to your remote switch. This cuts down on the size needed for cable/fittings etc. You would then probably be able to get away with using a regular light switch to control it. Cant help with switch ratings etc as we use completely different voltages where i'm from, suffice to say that as long as the voltage rating is correct, the switch will only have to handle a very small current (less than a light bulb)
 
J

Junkman

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 18, 2006
Messages
6,619
Location
Northeastern CT
Installing the contactor to control the compressor isn't much of a big deal. At work, I had the electrician install a whole lot of contactors that were all controlled by a single switch. Flip the switch, and every light in the entire 3600 square foot store came on. It even controlled the water main. When the lights went off, the water line was shut down. Having someone leave the water line open once too may times at night was the reason. No more flooded store after we made this change. I believe the contactors are about $60 each.
 
T

tdkkart

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 17, 2006
Messages
6,887
Location
Eastern Iowa
When I get around to finishing out the shop here at my new place intentions are to do a similar setup. Use a conatactor to control the compressor so that it is powered only when the lights are on. My contactor will be wired in series with the pressure switch also which will take the load off the contacts in the pressure switch.
Mechanical failures(air lines), and pressure switch contacts are the cause of 99% of compressor problems. Dealing with these problems up front will make future air production much more pleasant.
 
B

buening

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 17, 2007
Messages
1,338
Location
Decatur, IL
Most larger air compressors use a starter box (contactor and coil). My 7.5hp 80 gal compressor has one. Here is a picture of one.

a7c3_1.JPG


I have a disconnect box at the wall to turn off power to the compressor when I am doing any kind of maintenance or simply want to prevent it from turning on. Example of the disconnect box:

235f_1_sbl.JPG



Disconnect boxes are often used at Central Air conditioner units. This is a bit of a bulky switch and not the best for those fancy garages.

What size compressor motor are we talking about? If only a few HP then you can buy a 30A switch and the wire size wouldn't be that large.
 
T

The Alchemist

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 16, 2006
Messages
142
Location
Doylestown, PA
This is a question I have as well. I recently got a new compressor and would like to install it in the basement for sound and space reasons. I would rather not have to go downstairs, turn on the breaker, then go back upstairs to the garage, then back down to the basement to turn off the breaker when I'm done, so I'd really like to put a switch or breaker in the garage. It's only going to add +/- 10 feet of wiring since I'm only going to go right into the garage, then back down to the basement.

Do I need a double pole switch for the 220?

Thanks.
 
S

sberry

Banned
Joined
Jun 18, 2005
Messages
35,747
Location
Brethren, Michigan
You dont "need" it to control the circuit but using a single pole doesnt act as a service disconnect. I opt for disconnecting both poles but you will need a heavy motor rated switch.
 
D

D KRAGER

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 16, 2007
Messages
581
Location
Central IL
I think it's called a double throw double pole switch.... It switches off both phases, but just looks like a regular light switch. Watch amperage ratings though. I imagine a 20 amp is the biggest they make. Or you could use like a central air breaker/disconnect switch that they mount by central air units, I'm sure you can get those in almost any amerage.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
C

Charles (in GA)

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2006
Messages
12,489
Location
50 mi south of Atlanta
D KRAGER said:
I think it's called a double throw double pole switch.... It switches off both phases, but just looks like a regular light switch. Watch amperage ratings though. I imagine a 20 amp is the biggest they make.
Click to expand...

Leviton and Pass and Seymour both make 30 amp DPST "toggle" switches that have standard plastic light switch toggles. I used them as light switches for my multiwire circuits for my overhead lighting. I used 30 amp ones because I got them on a clearance for real cheap at Home Depot compared to the regular price. They are motor rated.

http://www.passandseymour.com/pdf/A02.pdf

Charles
 
T

Torque1st

MEMBER EMERITUS
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
5,668
Location
KC Metro, Kansas
You can also get the wall switches here:
http://op4.triadinet.com/STRASSER/nlcatalog.asp
If that link does not work use the online catalog here:
http://www.strasser-hardware.com/
Strasser Hardware is an excellent company to do business with. There should be a large GOOD hardware store in most larger cities. Electrical supply houses will also have the switches.

At the strasser website go:
online catalog
electrical & lighting
Switches
Switches double pole

Item #172742 20A, 120/277V $12.99ea. Mfg Part # CSB20AC2I
Item #379602 30A, 120/277V $22.99ea. Mfg Part # PS30AC2ICC6

A disconnect upstairs and down will work as well. Just label each location re the other switch.
 
Last edited:
N

nadogail

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 23, 2009
Messages
31,928
Location
Coronado, CA
I used a 24 Volt “Wall Wart” power supply and low voltage switches to provide remote control of electric heaters and compressors.
 
T

theoldwizard1

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2011
Messages
43,106
Location
SE MI
Voltron said:
Will be expensive and difficult if you run the main feeds for the compressor across the shop[ and back again. Most common way to achieve this sort of "remote switching" is to have the compressor controlled by a contactor, ...
Click to expand...
No, the most common way is the breaker in the load center ! Likely just as inconvenient.
 
P

PoorUB

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 29, 2021
Messages
11,622
Location
Fargo, ND
I still think Ryan should lock threads after a year.

If you want to link to the old thread, fine, but why resurect and old thread? Plus half the time the OP has disappeared.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom