Control for plug in compressor.

[Derekp]

Hi new to the forum, not an electrician but can wire a plug. I have a small compressor with a AC motor to drive it which simply plugs into the mains socket outlet. I would like to fit an on/off switch next to the motor instead of using the wall switch on the outlet or pulling the pug out. What kind of switch would be best and is there any particular way to wire. The motor is AC, 50hz , 2.8 amps, 1/2 HP. I'm thinking to cut the wire to the motor ad wire in switch.
Any advise please

 

[telectrix]

do you want this switch wall mounted? just thought, why not get one of those plug-in wireless receivers. then you can have a remote controll convenient to the motor,

similar to this, but you can usually get a set of 3 for about £20. complete with remote handset.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Celect-Wireless-Plug-Receiver-CCRC30F-KIT/dp/B00PWILWR0

 

[Derekp]

No, don't want the switch wall mounted, I've already got one there I'd like it next to the compressor wherever it is. Simple switch control would be fine.

 

[Darkwood]

Hi new to the forum, not an electrician but can wire a plug. I have a small compressor with a AC motor to drive it which simply plugs into the mains socket outlet. I would like to fit an on/off switch next to the motor instead of using the wall switch on the outlet or pulling the pug out. What kind of switch would be best and is there any particular way to wire. The motor is AC, 50hz , 2.8 amps, 1/2 HP. I'm thinking to cut the wire to the motor ad wire in switch.
Any advise please

Any reason why you wish to position it between the controls and motor?... Just mount a 2pole rotary switch on the compressor and break into the supply flex, this then isolates all the controls and motor without the need to remove the plug or switch it off.

 

[davesparks]

I've never yet seen a compressor which doesn't have a switch mounted on it already, are you sure there isn't the usual push/pull knob on there already?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Marvo]

As Dave says usually there's one of these on the compressor that also has an on/off switch on it.

or a rotary version like this

 

[Geordie Spark]

I've never yet seen a compressor which doesn't have a switch mounted on it already, are you sure there isn't the usual push/pull knob on there already?


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Aye, and that's not "just" a switch, it's also a device for releasing the air remaining in the compressor on switch off so when it starts again the motor's not struggling to push against a great lump of air trapped between the top of the piston (s) and cylinder head.

Just connecting any old switch will defeat the object of this.


EDIT:

At the extreme right of the piccie just above the pressure gauge is the "switch"

 

[Derekp]

Thanks to all who replied. Just to clarify some of the questions asked, the compressor is very small and does not have a tank. I believe it is a constant bleed system so a tank is not required to store compressed air, its probably more an air pump rather than a conventional compressor. I'm sure its not good to use a wall switch to turn the motor on/off so a switch is in order, it may be the unit is very old but it has not been rewired so is original wiring.

 

[Marvo]

Maybe look at incorporating a foot switch similar to one you'd see on a sewing machine.

 

[UKMeterman]

Best post a picture of the unit, some motors can be very nasty on switches.

 

[Derekp]

As suggested pictures of motor.

 

[telectrix]

nowt wrong there that a wire brush and a coat of paint won't fix. :clap: