need a BEAST of a toggle switch for compressors

[ironadict]

OK this is the second toggle switch Ive burnt up. 50 amps was the heaviest I could find in the stores or online. That was ok for the 2 450c comps I was running. But now I've replaced one of those with a 480c and plan on replacing the other as well.
Not realizing the amp draw was that much more it toasted another toggle on me. Any one out there running 2 480c comps that can give me some direction on this? I'm looking for a toggle switch that can handle about 100amps. So far I'm having no luck and thinking about using a battery kill switch.
I will wait patiently for a response before doing anything crazy to my dash.

[rwade]

Are you running the compressor power through your toggle switch? If so, I'd suggest running battery power to the compressor through a 40 amp relay (I got mine from Azproperformance, Travis) and use the toggle switch to turn the relay on. That's how mine are run, I think they are 380 compressors, haven't had an issue yet.

Wade

[k_n_browning]

You need to use a relay.Then the switch will not need to be as large.Look at a ford starter relay from the late 60s early 70s.Some of the older sprayers use them.

[ironadict]

I see. Yeah I have a big ole power wire running into my cab for a toggle then out to a wire splitter block then to the comps. Was unaware you could set up a relay and control it from a toggle. I'll look into that one.
I would need a larger amp relay though right as one 480c draws 39.5amps?

[NEWFISHER]

Old ford starter relay direct battery power. Toggle it and you will have zero problems

[ironadict]

Ok so I've looked this part up and have found a 65 ford starter relay solenoid. Looks pretty simple, 4 posts. I'm guessing the battery power to one large post then power to comps from other large post. then 1 smaller gauge wire to toggle off 1 small post then back to other small post from toggle? So when the smaller posts make a contact through a toggle it allows power between large posts? sorry if these are stupid ?s I've never installed a relay before.

[chevy2tom]

Fused 12 volts to the toggle out from the toggle to one small side of relay other small side to ground. From the battery to one large side of the relay the other large side to the compressors.
Battery + ------ large post -/- large post--------- compressors
Fuse-----toggle-----sm post sm post--------ground

[ironadict]

Perfect, I'm glad I asked. Any suggestions on how many amps need to go to that small terminal from battery so I know what gauge wire and size toggle and fuse to go with?

Thanks for all the help fellas. Glad to hear I can get this done with local stuff and get back to rollin tomorrow instead of waiting on hard to find parts.

[NEWFISHER]

12g toggle wire 15 amp fuse.

[ironadict]

Thanks newfisher. This will be my Sunday project.

[ironadict]

Well here I am SOL again. Bought 65 for starter relay solenoid proper wires and fitting and hooked it all up. Worked for about 20 minutes. Compressor filled tank twice and then would not come back on. Toggle is good, fuse is good. But now I have to jump the solenoid to get any power to compressors. Here's a pic of it hooked up, just like it was explained, at least I think. Maybe someone can shed some light on this.
Also not sure what the amp rating is on these but it may be that they can't handle the duration of amperage since they are just made to shoot power to a starter and that's it. Any help would be great.

[NEWFISHER]

Ok. Not that im wanting you to runbout and buy parts but I think you are onto something with the constant use or duration. Do you know anyone in the 4x4 world? Try looking up the specs on a solonoid for a Warn winch. They are built for constant duty not just a short cycle like you mentioned. What do all the heavy bag suspension players use? Travis, Del, Dino, Nate etc

[ironadict]

Ok I figured it out. It need to be a continuous duty solenoid. The starter solenoids can handle a burst of like 400amps but only about 40 continuous. Got one from the local parts store that handles 85amps continuous. Lets see if it hold up. Thanks for y'alls help.

[dec010974]

Hello to all. I skimmed thru this thread and read someone suggested using a relay. I have (1) viair 480 compressors and never blew a fuse. I used a relay and the proper gauge wire and it works fine to me. Can you use a relay with a switch?

[w00dst0ck]

What is the rating of that?

I'm running a super heavy duty relay on my racecar for the electric fans. When they kick on they can pull nearly 90 amps, and are 40-50 continuous.

It's an 85amp continuous solenoid.


http://www.napaonline.com/Catalog/Ca...T85_0460797331

[CHRIS67GMC]

Switch the ground not the power is a easy fix.