Switch for compressor

admin

Alright so i have been cleaning up my compressor and put a new tank underneath it and now it is time to hook it up. It already had a squareD pressure switch on it but it does not have a manual on/off switch. so the question is what can i use for a switch? will a light switch work if it is rated for enough amps?  i could just unplug it from the wall but i know that isn't too safe. so what should i get guys?Thanks for the helpMy original compressor thread is http://weldingweb.com/vbb/showthread.php?t=26015
Reply:Put a switch rated for the voltage 110/220 in the line going to the pressure switch.  Or just unplug it and plug it in like I do.  The surge at the box shouldn't be a problem if the breaker is properly sized."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Technically, if you're disconnecting a motor, you should have a switch rated for the horsepower of the motor, and not just the voltage and current.You'll have no problem turning the motor on, but when shutting it off, you will get arcing within the switch, which will eat the contacts.Of course, since this is a compressor, you won't be turning it off very often while it is running (that is the job for the pressure switch, which should have suitable contacts), so you could probably get away with an ordinary light switch.Because of that, I would use a regular light switch, but probably choose something a little heavier duty, like a 30A spec grade switch.  Its still not appropriate for a motor, but should do just fine in this application.