DIYbanter - View Single Post - Using a light switch on an air compressor

Mortimer Schnerd, RN

wrote:
I like the idea of a pilot light, and will use a 20A switch. If I
leave it plugged in, it refills several times a day. I guess they all
leak a little. That just wastes power, so i want it shut off when I
am not using it.

The tank heats up with compression. Then pressure drops as the tank cools down
over a period of time. That, combined with leaking valves, probably accounts
for your restarts.

One other good reason not to leave a compressor on all the time: if any
pressure component fails, the compressor will turn on and pump its brains out
trying to restore the pressure. If you're away for the weekend at the time,
it'll run until it runs out of oil or overheats. Not good.

--
Mortimer Schnerd, RN
mschnerdatcarolina.rr.com