Dual Compressor Wiring

[N2TRUX]

I know there are several diagrams for single compressor wiring. The one that Suicide Doors has looks great. Does anyone know of something similar for dual compressor wiring. I realize I could just mirror the same diagram, but I want to see a diagram that was intended for the amp draw of two compressors.

Lets see your install pics for those that have them.

[draggin86]

http://www.viaircorp.com/OnRoad/Schematics/dualc_wd.pdf


here is the one i always use..

[N2TRUX]

Hmmm? I know I looked at the ViAir site. Obviously I didn't look close enough. The diagram is great looking, but it doesn't specify wire gauge or fuse size.

[draggin86]

well if you use what they use off of the compressors which is 12G (good to 60amps @12V) you should be safe. If you are going to run one wire from the battery to distribution block then split it i would run some 8G(max 150AMP @12V) or 10G(max of 100AMP @12V) then split it with 2 12G wires to the relays

[N2TRUX]

Here is one I found on Air Zeniths site. It's a lot more detailed.

[draggin86]

perfect! wire is little over kill but that will work!

[kev2809]

ya, that 6 awg is a little too much. i used 8 and i even think that was too much lol

[royo]

Originally Posted by kev2809

ya, that 6 awg is a little too much. i used 8 and i even think that was too much lol

Why is it too much

[Hottrucks]

keep in mind the draw on your charging system too....you don't want those to run to long without the truck running or............

[DHPmike]

These wiring diagrams are pretty good. But sometimes they dont take into account anticipated problems. First I suggest thinking about wiring compressors on seperate switches, and seperate pressure switches and on seperate fuses. You never know when you might have a failure.

You dont want to be stranded

[N2TRUX]

Thats my thought too. I know that one reason to have dual compressors is quicker fill time. Another is to have a spare in case one fails. If the compressor fails and blows the fuse, your out all together. I think that separate fused supply wires would be the best way to prevent that.

[protrash64]

I used the dual 400C's...50a draw. I ran 4awg to power them. Used essentially the diagram you posted above. I placed everything in a project box I picked up from Radio Shack.

I also used a stereo system fuse holder to act as a junction block(two green fuses). The lead hanging out to the left is the switch leg to the pressure switch. I also added a switch to my power supply for the switches so I can turn them on and off with out the truck running.

[N2TRUX]

Where did you fuse the power wire. Was it fused at the battery, or just here in the box?

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Where did you fuse the power wire. Was it fused at the battery, or just here in the box?

I fused it in the box. I know it's recommended to fuse close to the battery, but I dont always listen. I also did not want to run 2 wires the length of the frame to the relays. In the pic the #4 is not lugged into the fuse block.

[DHPmike]

Theres also something to be said for having seperate switches and seperate pressure switches. anytime you have both compressors going thru 1 switch, relay, fuse or anything you are asking to be broke down in the middle of the night on a lonely dirt road...

if it happens when your chick is with you then she hates your truck from then on and she will never trust it again. something to think about.

[kev2809]

Originally Posted by royo

Why is it too much

its not overkill, just a little hard to maneuver because its so thick. I think the kits come with 10 awg. I just wanted to be sure it would be safe

Originally Posted by DHPmike

if it happens when your chick is with you then she hates your truck from then on and she will never trust it again. something to think about.

u couldn't be more right. one reason why I prob won't ever shave my doors again lol. ur truck goes from pretty cool to a pos real quick...

[Hart_Rod]

Originally Posted by N2TRUX

Where did you fuse the power wire. Was it fused at the battery, or just here in the box?

Accuair sells a nice wiring kit for dual compressors:

http://www.accuairsuspension.com/product_acc_psk.html

http://www.accuairsuspension.com/pro...KIT-70A_02.pdf

[N2TRUX]

Originally Posted by Hart_Rod

Accuair sells a nice wiring kit for dual compressors....

I saw that, but then I saw the price...yikes.

[54Caddy]

The Accuair one looks nice might be worth the price N2trux. what size compressors are you running?

[N2TRUX]

I am currently running a single ViAir 400c. I have been considering running dual compressors for a while. I'm not sure what I will go with yet. I am comparing specs and prices on the 380, 400, 444, and 450 ViAir's.

[mullit]

Check out AVS they sell compressor wireing kits. almost every one is saying over kill and not fuseing at the battery. Ever see a truck burn? Its better to be safe then sorry. i personally use 8 gauge for each compressor if run sepraletly or use 2 gauge battery cable if running two compressors with one hot wire from the battery.

[67cheby]

Originally Posted by protrash64

I used the dual 400C's...50a draw. I ran 4awg to power them. Used essentially the diagram you posted above. I placed everything in a project box I picked up from Radio Shack.

I also used a stereo system fuse holder to act as a junction block(two green fuses). The lead hanging out to the left is the switch leg to the pressure switch. I also added a switch to my power supply for the switches so I can turn them on and off with out the truck running.

why dont you just make a couple extra of those little doohickeys, how much ?? nice work by the way

[bedsled71]

the longer the wire. the thicker the wire

[kev2809]

how do you plan on mounting that project box? i just picked one up today, i think its a great idea. i also bought a barrier strip too so i can run my ground wires from the valves to make it look nice and to keep the water from getting all over them.

so basically when running 2 compressors...you ground the second relay (85), then tie the 86 off the second relay to the pressure switch wire (so both 86's to the pressure switch), 87 to the second compressor, and 30 to the battery (with an inline fuse)?

[protrash64]

Originally Posted by 67cheby

why dont you just make a couple extra of those little doohickeys, how much ?? nice work by the way

Thanks.....didnt know there was a demand for them!

Originally Posted by kev2809

how do you plan on mounting that project box? i just picked one up today, i think its a great idea. i also bought a barrier strip too so i can run my ground wires from the valves to make it look nice and to keep the water from getting all over them.

so basically when running 2 compressors...you ground the second relay (85), then tie the 86 off the second relay to the pressure switch wire (so both 86's to the pressure switch), 87 to the second compressor, and 30 to the battery (with an inline fuse)?

I mounted the project box on the frame behind my passenger rear tire. The bolt in the center of the box is the mount which doubles as a ground lug. I did both relays identically, I never remember the #'s on the terminals. Yes, the leg going to the pressure switch is a 'Y' and activates both relays.

mullit is absolutely correct about fires. The fuse at the battery protects against the wire feeding power turning into a welder if it was to short against the frame, for example. In my set-up, if the fuse burns out the wire will still be hot along its entire length making a potential hazard.