Anyone recommend a switch?

[springcrocus]

A mate of mine has a compressor in his garage which is wired to a 13 amp plug. It blows the fuse every now and then so he wants it wired direct to a switch on the wall.

On checking the motor plate, it states that the running current is 13.5 amps (4hp motor?) so he must be stressing the fuses.

I can run a feed from his garage CU to a dedicated outlet but it probably requires a 16 or 20 amp fuse and double-pole isolation.

Anyone point me at a good device? Pray

 

[benji]

Why not fit a commando type socket 16a 2 pole & earth (a blue one) and plug to suit

yours benji

 

[ian932]

You could run a feed as discussed to a 20A local isolator and then one of these out of the isolator.

All though by pulling the 16A 3 pin plug you have your local isolation without an isolator if you want, but if you need to isolate when the compressor is running say due to a fault I'd rather use a 20A isolator.

 

[Evans Electric]

Why not go for the plastic rotary switches IP65 20 amp three pole , use it for double pole. I can't remember the various makes , you must have seen them, black base yellow front cost

 

[Andy™]

Dont forget rotary isolators are not designed to switch on-load. unless the compressor has a DOL type switch on it, use a DOL starter

 

[springcrocus]

Part of the problem is that it's an inductive load with high start current so a lot of switches might burn from flash-over.

I was hoping for a cheaper option than a DOL starter, though.

Thanks, guys, for your replies so far - keep them suggestions coming.

 

[Apache]

There's something deep in my mind where fuses are more likely to trip when it's cold - they are less accomodating.

Can you get fuses rated higher than 13A that will fit a domestic plug?

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MM15KXSC.html ?

 

[Andy™]

Can you get fuses rated higher than 13A that will fit a domestic plug?

kinda....

and

 

[Andy™]

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/MM15KXSC.html ?

same problem with that as i said before, its not designed to switch on-load so cant be used (as a switch) unless there is some kinda of DOL already on compressor

 

[Janice]

Why do you want a switch? All of the smaller compressors I have worked with have a built-in pressure switch with manual activation.

Just use a commando plug to connect to supply, turn on/off using the knob at the pressure switch. Certainly the cheapest option.

After re-reading your original post, cheapest option is a box of 13 amp fuses]

 

[Andy™]

Why do you want a switch? All of the smaller compressors I have worked with have a built-in pressure switch with manual activation.Just use a commando plug to connect to supply, turn on/off using the knob at the pressure switch. Certainly the cheapest option.

After re-reading your original post, cheapest option is a box of 13 amp fuses]

that also depends on location of compressor. at my garage, you need ladders to get to it

 

[Robojin]

kinda....

]

Ha !! I can see the problem here Andy, some pillock has cut through the flex, you'd get a nasty shock if you plug that one in, BTW does it need to have a cover?, this PIR stuff is dead easy don't what all the fuss is about ; \

 

[Evans Electric]

Dont forget rotary isolators are not designed to switch on-load. unless the compressor has a DOL type switch on it, use a DOL starter

Presumed he just wanted an isolator , switched at compressor. What size is the fuse in that plug top BTW, about 60 amps by the look of it.

Deke

 

[batty]

Springy the two options are either a triple pole isolator wired direct into or a 16 amp switch with commando type socket on it so it could be isolated to change. The cheapest option would be just a switch. Which would be adequate. If you are running new circuit I would put in c16 breaker to be on safe side. Link for switch from TLC below.

http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CSWHT20.html

Cheers Batty

 

[kme]

Springy the two options are either a triple pole isolator wired direct into or a 16 amp switch with commando type socket on it so it could be isolated to change. The cheapest option would be just a switch. Which would be adequate. If you are running new circuit I would put in c16 breaker to be on safe side. Link for switch from TLC below.http://www.tlc-direct.co.uk/Products/CSWHT20.html

Cheers Batty

This would be my thinking too (Guiness DrinkGuiness Drink - hic - Guiness Drink)

 

[springcrocus]

Thanks everyone, especially Batty and KME - that's the way I shall go. Applaud Smiley

 

[batty]

Thanks everyone, especially Batty and KME - that's the way I shall go. Applaud Smiley

Those switches for the money are good you should have no problems.

Batty