Air compressor in-dash switch

[TJim]

Hello!

I would like to ask if I can install an in dash switch for my air compressor (hardwired) like this:

I have a T-MAX air compressor, which is quite similar to smittybilt 2781.

How can I do that?

 

[Steel City 06]

Does the compressor have a built-in switch?

If so, you may be able to open it up and wire a second switch in parallel with the first, if (and only if) it has an internal relay. Then if either the dash switch or the integral switch is on, your compressor will be on. Make sure you use the same signal supply for the extra switch as the original (you’ll have to run two wires from the compressor to the new switch). If you don’t, you’ll have to add diodes in line with both signal supplies to prevent accidental backfeeding.
If you wire them in series, then you can make it so it only comes on when both switches are on.

Alternatively, you could remove the switch and simply extend the wires connected to it to the cabin, and connect them to a new switch in the cabin.

A third option that could work regardless of whether or not there is an integral switch would be to run an external relay. Look up the wiring diagrams for Viair compressors. You would basically be duplicating this. If there is an integral switch, you would need to always leave it on for the remote switch to work.

 

[TJim]

Does the compressor have a built-in switch?

If so, you may be able to open it up and wire a second switch in parallel with the first, if (and only if) it has an internal relay. Then if either the dash switch or the integral switch is on, your compressor will be on. Make sure you use the same signal supply for the extra switch as the original (you’ll have to run two wires from the compressor to the new switch). If you don’t, you’ll have to add diodes in line with both signal supplies to prevent accidental backfeeding.
If you wire them in series, then you can make it so it only comes on when both switches are on.

Alternatively, you could remove the switch and simply extend the wires connected to it to the cabin, and connect them to a new switch in the cabin.

A third option that could work regardless of whether or not there is an integral switch would be to run an external relay. Look up the wiring diagrams for Viair compressors. You would basically be duplicating this. If there is an integral switch, you would need to always leave it on for the remote switch to work.

Yes, there is a built-in switch, also there is a Thermal Overload Protector (With amperage overload protector, Press to reset).

How can I know if there is an internal relay?

My goal is to run the compressor without opening the hood, but also I would prefer to not remove the switch from the compressor.

 

[AndyG]

Well, we meet in March , and will talk it over . We are real picky on dash switch variances. It's kind of like zoning at the city.