California Air Compressor Remote Switching

[Dave Fritz]

The manual says only use the on/off switch on the compressor to regulate it. Of course I wanted to save a few steps so I installed a remote. It worked fine until one day it didn't. I had to turn the compressor switch off and then back on to get it to work. Does anyone know why the remote is not recommended and shouldn't be used? I don't understand electricity.

[Myk Rian]

Too much starting current for the remote?

[Richard Coers]

Proabably burnt the contacts in the remote relay. Since you don't mention model number or hp of the compressor, nor amp rating of the relay, we can only guess.

[Mike Wilkins]

I believe Myk hit the nail on the head. I tried to cheap-out and got some generic remote from the local big box store. Fried it on the first try. I went to the nearest Woodcraft and got one of the red remotes (can't remember the brand name) and smooth sailing since. There are made in 110 and 240 volt versions.

[Dan Cameron]

It is common on compressors to include a compression release valve actuator as part of the on/off lever. This dramatically reduces the startup current.

[Paul F Franklin]

It is common on compressors to include a compression release valve actuator as part of the on/off lever. This dramatically reduces the startup current.

It's true that most compressors have an unloader valve to release the pressure between the pump and a check valve on the tank. But it's usually actuated by the pressure switch, not the on/off switch. That way it does its job on every cycle of the pump, not just the first time power is applied. So I don't think that's the reason the manufacturer states to only use the on/off switch.