Air compressor pressure switch

[kide]

Got a really good deal on a almost new Thomas Airpac T-35HD hotdog style portable compressor. Only problem is the ON/OFF lever on the Square D brand pressure switch is missing. I've looked at all the smaller consumer type (Sears, Campbell-Hausfield etc.) brands that have the lever on the NON Square D pressure switches and they use a different switch inside.. Does anyone have a compressor with the Square D switch (with ON/OFF lever) that could take the cover off (unplug it first) and take a front view / side view picture of the lever and how it functions? I haven't been able to find any parts source for Square D switches - I can most likely fab something if I can get a picture of the original...

 

[rbedell]

Ken:

How about replacing the Switch with a 3AY90 from WW Grainger...???

 

[kide]

Roland:
Yup-thanks... I could (I dug that out the first day), but I hate to spend the 30 bucks - that's half what I paid for the compressor.. (I beat 'em down on the price - the carry handle was broken and the drain valve had some junk in it). The pressure switch works fine - I COULD just wire in a on/off switch, but the unloader valve wouldn't work on startup and it wouldn't look as clean. (BTW -Thomas lists the switch for $90.00 !!!)

Grangers is only about a 15 minute drive (sigh).

 

[kide]

After looking at several of my friends compressors , I remembered that the next door neighbor had rescued a commercial pancake unit a couple of years ago - sure enough, it had the Square D pressure switch on it.. Here's his lever - which he's already had to repair..

About two hours in the shop and I had a working lever for mine. (I'm retired, my time is "free")..

So, for about 3 hours work making the switch and carry handle, installing a new pressure gauge and drain valve, I've got a dandy little unit that lists for $488.00, sells for a minimum of $300.00 AND is made in Sheboygan Wisconsin, USA!!!!

 

[tkeefe]

Kendell,

Nice save. I always find it more rewarding to repair instead of replace.

 

[jlhayes]

If anyone else is having a problem with that lever and can turn it on to run position. what I did with my 5 gal. was I mounted it stationary high on the wall in my garage. the switch works fine but very hard to reach. I wired a double box outlet and switch side by side and plugged it in, have a radio plugged in also to the other outlet to remind me to turn it off.

 

[kide]

Jim:
Could be a bad idea in the long run. You run the risk of the compressor starting against pressure - hard on the pump and with bigger motors, it'll pop circuit breakers . That's why there is an unloader valve as part of the Square D switch (and why I wanted it operational). If your compressor has the unloader in a different place (like my big old two stage stationery does), no problem..