My compressor is in a corner of the building and sometimes gets overlooked at the end of the day as whether it has been turned off or not. Has anyone set up a signal or light that the compressor is on that can be seen from 10 feet away? If so, how does it work?

Thanks, Jim

I have multiple phase converters and 3 phase machines.
I installed 120 volt beacon signal lights on all of the phase converters.
You can tell at a glance in daylight, and especially at closing if any are still running. Hardwired into the "on / energized" power side.
Purchased off Amazon for around 12.00 ea. Nice, large, heavy built units.

Thanks for the info.
Will get one setup next week.

I have my compressor on a timer that is connected in series with the coil on the motor starter for it. It has no affect to the operation of the compressor except to shut it off when the timer tells it to. Basically I set the timer in the morning and if I forget to shut it off it doesn't matter it will do it for me.

That is an interesting idea.
.Where did you get such a timer? Have never seen one before.

Thanks for the idea Jim, I needed something like that for the vacuum pump.

Almost all my wall plugs and machines are on a 2nd breaker panel that is powered up by a large relay. When the shop lights go off the relay turns off, thus cutting power to the 2nd breaker panel.

There are a few exceptions that get their power off the main breaker panel for one reason or another. Most plugs and motors in the shop though, including the compressor, are off if the lights are off.

There are a few benefits to wiring a shop this way. First, automatic devices like air compressors cannot come on due to leaks in the system. Also any sawdust that has infiltrated into electrical components over the years can't start a fire.

Actually, the compressor is double guarded. Not only does it get its power off the relayed breaker pane but there is also an air solenoid on the air outlet port that also activates by the relay. So even if there is air leakage in the shop air lines the compressor doesn't drain down because the air output is cut off from the rest of the system when I'm not in the shop.

I've done this in various shops I've had over the past 20 to 30 years. It's a great way to prevent a number of potential problems.

BH Davis

PM, I think Newark Electronics sells the timer relay. Eagle signal is the brand I use they are very reliable. I've never had one fail.
Dan