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Indicator lamp

David

David

Scrap maker
Administrator
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Premium Member
Now that my compressor is working I'm finding that I leave it on while I'm not in the shop.
It's outside and wired to a switch inside. I'd like to add a light to the circuit so I'll know that it's still on when I turn off the shop lights.
Problem is that the circuit and switch is just two hots and a ground, there's no neutral.
Is there a way I can wire a 110V light socket to one of the legs without a neutral?
 
IIRC, an NE2 neon lamp works over a wide variety of voltages and either ac or dc. If I'm right it would work between the two hots. Mind you, it's a pilot light, not a "source of illumination" light. (might need a series resistor)
 
David said:
Now that my compressor is working I'm finding that I leave it on while I'm not in the shop.
It's outside and wired to a switch inside. I'd like to add a light to the circuit so I'll know that it's still on when I turn off the shop lights.
Problem is that the circuit and switch is just two hots and a ground, there's no neutral.
Is there a way I can wire a 110V light socket to one of the legs without a neutral?
Click to expand...

Simple solution place a reminder sign beside your shop light switch and one on the inside of your shop door. Cost pennies!
 
Damn David, I was waiting for you to post your clever solution to this problem. Mine is the same situation, but I want a switching thingamee that works with the light switch to turn the compressor off. In this day an age there is no reason why I should have to turn off both the lights and the compressor.
 
240volt to 12v wall wart and a 12v car clearance light. This is how I remember to turn off the VFD on the lathe.

1754616275874.jpeg
 
David said:
Now that my compressor is working I'm finding that I leave it on while I'm not in the shop.
It's outside and wired to a switch inside. I'd like to add a light to the circuit so I'll know that it's still on when I turn off the shop lights.
Problem is that the circuit and switch is just two hots and a ground, there's no neutral.
Is there a way I can wire a 110V light socket to one of the legs without a neutral?
Click to expand...

240 Vac LED indicator light wired to the load side of the existing switch. Turn ON the power to the compressor and the indicator light is ON. You could get a larger device box and mount the light and switch together in the same location. If the switch for the compressor is highly visible in your shop then you should have no problem noticing the green light. If not, you could mount the indicator light in it's own device box wherever it would be most visible.

Read the Data Sheet to make sure you are ordering the correct voltage. Digi-Key.ca is the Amazon of electronics. Very fast shipping for items in stock. TE Connectivity is a quality product.

LED Panel Indicator Green Clear
 
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Although I haven't wired it up yet the shop lights are picked up by a light sensor. If the value is above a certain amount then the relay that provides power to the compressor is enabled.

The problem is if the ball valve between the compressor and the shop is on a few days not in the shop would drain the tank as the compressor is disabled. A light sensor controlling a shut off valve might be a better solution.

Still thinking about this.
 
You could install a remote relay inside the shop to activate power to the compressor

matell Wireless Remote Control Switch AC 110V/120V/220V/240V 30A Relay RF Remote Control Light Switches for Motor Pump Security Systems with 300 ft Long Range : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement

matell Wireless Remote Control Switch AC 110V/120V/220V/240V 30A Relay RF Remote Control Light Switches for Motor Pump Security Systems with 300 ft Long Range : Amazon.ca: Tools & Home Improvement
www.amazon.ca
Have second relay at the compressor that will close and activate a light inside the shop to indicate power is available at the compressor
.https://www.amazon.ca/Potter-Brumfield-T9AS1D22-12-Relay-240VAC/dp/B0714J9SDF?crid=39ELNJ6ZTBP4D&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.9iEFZxv9Z_8wRdhJ_4bh5JxhwKz9QDIG7ZdtfP_YuDu8pmxGsGD9g3ERs6rrgm-htUyvJnRJ6zDD8SgXSTY7VlDkDwiw5YrrfKqEaAlTtRtjSYF4-yBQmWv76htmbwaBOqJgo5UHjWPwT34mzT4bs-C6biaNhlGOEsi3f8AcMDaN5IRjgrVghCqFGYYawE81XKa3SayBAnhcIepTvGIBmQ4X400oRhIOSBrD1ylYD_MrheHjgG1SlAKCHgQ6gWKejaNkouTW4YyNt-BAos8RSEkqGlalyBdbq3jgK5PVWFo.oNpiAzUt2Rzqs5t7krztb1W5p9ZUL8j6mIhD1PRPzhs&dib_tag=se&keywords=240v+relay+30a&qid=1754654853&sprefix=240v+relay+30a%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-7
I had as similar problem , fortunately the switch to supply power to my compressor relay had an auxiliary set of contacts that I wired to a red indicator light at my entrance door. If the indicator light was on I new the compressor was ready to run.
Here's another option. On this switch use one set of contacts to power the compressor relay at the compressor and a second set of contacts to power the indicator light,

1pc 48x48mm Panel 2/3/4/5 Position 8Pin Terminal Universal Changeover Switch 240V 20A Latching Rotary Cam Selector Switch(0-1) : Amazon.ca: Automotive

1pc 48x48mm Panel 2/3/4/5 Position 8Pin Terminal Universal Changeover Switch 240V 20A Latching Rotary Cam Selector Switch(0-1) : Amazon.ca: Automotive
www.amazon.ca
 
I like the the 240->12v wall wart and indicator light and the LED light ideas.
Let me see what I can rig up once I can move in the shop again :rolleyes:
 
Aliva said:
I've been using a Square D relay on my 5HP compressor for over 30 years with problems
Click to expand...
I'm going to guess you meant "no problems".

I'd bet pretty much every one has dual voltage wall warts sitting in a drawer in the house or shop. PA has a wide variety of LED lights that fit what ever level of cheap frugal you are. You could buy a few of these lights and put one in every room of the shop and one over your head in the bedroom. lol
 
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