I purchased a nice 5hp 60 gal "fatboy" style air compressor for my workshop a few years ago. Finally getting around to getting it hooked up.
Upon closer inspection, I didn't see any "red" reset button on the motor itself which would indicate a "thermal overload" circuit. I'm worried that this motor does not therefore have it. I went to my local large tool store which sells many compressors. They said if there is no "red button on the motor" it probably doesn't have one. They further said with compressors this is pretty important.
They suggested I buy an "accessory overload switch and have my electrician wire that in". I asked how much and they said about $250.00 for the switch!
I looked on Amazon and I can buy a 5hp Leeson compressor motor with the overload protection button circuit for about $330.00 (yes I'm up here in the frozen North.) I went back to the store I originally bought it from and see all the newer models do in fact have the obvious red overload button.
Wondering if it is certain that without a reset button it is certain the existing motor on the compressor is in fact without the circuit?
Is it critical to have a "thermal overload" capability?
Is this "thermal overload switch" really this expensive? (I've tried to google it but haven't really found what it is they are referring to)
and lastly, am I doomed and should just drop the $330 and buy a new motor? (which of course I really don't want to do!)
I'm not savvy to electrical issues, but have access to a pal who is reasonably handy. I'm a pensioner so money isn't exactly growing on trees (which right now are covered in snow anyways!)
Any help / advice so very appreciated.