I have a large compressor which I plan to install on the mezzanine floor of my workshop. Its currently in storage so I haven't looked at it physically.
Is it easy enough to relocate the on/off switch so I don't have to get a ladder every time I want to start or stop it? I would imagine it is but anyone ever done it?

Yep should be as simple as removing the existing switch, joining the wires safely (or replacing if practical) then run the new cable to a wall mounted isolator which is fed from your main power.

Obviously make sure the isolator is rated high enough. Most are rated to a min of 32A anyway if you use a 3 phase one, and are generally less than £10.

David

i think the one on mine has some kind of pressure sensing apperatus (always wanted a proper use for that word ) inside it too

Or you can just leave the existing switch in the on position (if its a pressure sensing one) and fit another switch on the end of the mains cable

[Edited on 11/11/09 by flak monkey]

I was always told this was really bad practice?! Not sure why though, unfortunately though the socket for it is on the mezzanine as well so there are no cable running from anywhere where I wouldn't need a ladder.

I'll just plan on relocating the switch

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Originally posted by flak monkey
Or you can just leave the existing switch in the on position (if its a pressure sensing one) and fit another switch on the end of the mains cable

[Edited on 11/11/09 by flak monkey]

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i was told this was a bad idea when i got mine too. something about the switch not resetting properly and causing some sort of damage or not turning off at the right time

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Originally posted by liam.mccaffrey
I was always told this was really bad practice?! Not sure why though, unfortunately though the socket for it is on the mezzanine as well so there are no cable running from anywhere where I wouldn't need a ladder.

I'll just plan on relocating the switch

quote:

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Originally posted by flak monkey
Or you can just leave the existing switch in the on position (if its a pressure sensing one) and fit another switch on the end of the mains cable

[Edited on 11/11/09 by flak monkey]

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I must admit I'd leave it plugged into to a switched extension cord, can't see the on/off switch on the compressor doing much other than switching the main power on /off anyway...

The compressor switch will be a lot heavier duty than your socket switch so it will not arc as much. I would wire a dedicated spur in for it with something like this included.

You should never switch the compressor remotely by the mains to it..

The problem is that the compressor vents the high pressure air from compressor/pump cylinder on switching off (that's the hiss sound you get on once up to pressure). If you stop it before this happens (without using the off button on the compressor) next time you turn on it will probably not start and burn out the motor... Hence it's not a good idea..

I guess you might get away with it if you are careful when you switch off (i.e. only once up to pressure).. The trouble is if the pressure drops in the air reciver (tank) with it off (i.e. a small leak, or you use a tool) it will switch the motor "on" mechanically pressurizing the pump. Then when you switch the power to the compressor the motor will burn out..

Dan

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

I have it on a proper switched 16A supply.


[Edited on 11/11/09 by liam.mccaffrey]

thw switch on most cuts the power and releases a valve that releases, pressure from the feed, this closes a one way valve (this is the woosh noise you get when it turns off) so the compress pump is at atmosphere pressure, not 100 odd psi meaning it can start softly.

compare the sound it makes to just turning it off then on while its running.

you could do it safely by killing the power only when the compressor is not running as it will have already dropped the pressure on the compressor

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Originally posted by Bluemoon
You should never switch the compressor remotely by the mains to it..

The problem is that the compressor vents the high pressure air from compressor/pump cylinder on switching off (that's the hiss sound you get on once up to pressure). If you stop it before this happens (without using the off button on the compressor) next time you turn on it will probably not start and burn out the motor... Hence it's not a good idea..

I guess you might get away with it if you are careful when you switch off (i.e. only once up to pressure).. The trouble is if the pressure drops in the air reciver (tank) with it off (i.e. a small leak, or you use a tool) it will switch the motor "on" mechanically pressurizing the pump. Then when you switch the power to the compressor the motor will burn out..

Dan

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

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Originally posted by dan__wright

quote:

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Originally posted by Bluemoon
You should never switch the compressor remotely by the mains to it..

The problem is that the compressor vents the high pressure air from compressor/pump cylinder on switching off (that's the hiss sound you get on once up to pressure). If you stop it before this happens (without using the off button on the compressor) next time you turn on it will probably not start and burn out the motor... Hence it's not a good idea..

I guess you might get away with it if you are careful when you switch off (i.e. only once up to pressure).. The trouble is if the pressure drops in the air reciver (tank) with it off (i.e. a small leak, or you use a tool) it will switch the motor "on" mechanically pressurizing the pump. Then when you switch the power to the compressor the motor will burn out..

Dan

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

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its actualy the air pressure from the pump that opens the valve so should be fine.

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quote:

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Originally posted by Bluemoon
You should never switch the compressor remotely by the mains to it..

The problem is that the compressor vents the high pressure air from compressor/pump cylinder on switching off (that's the hiss sound you get on once up to pressure). If you stop it before this happens (without using the off button on the compressor) next time you turn on it will probably not start and burn out the motor... Hence it's not a good idea..

I guess you might get away with it if you are careful when you switch off (i.e. only once up to pressure).. The trouble is if the pressure drops in the air reciver (tank) with it off (i.e. a small leak, or you use a tool) it will switch the motor "on" mechanically pressurizing the pump. Then when you switch the power to the compressor the motor will burn out..

Dan

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

[Edited on 11/11/09 by Bluemoon]

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