Thread: Hard wiring 12v compressor.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

I have an ex D3 air suspension compressor i want to hard wire to my 2nd battery, do i need to wire it via a relay or just direct with a switch and inline fuse ?

It's always safer to wire things that draw high currents via a relay, and have the switch operate the relay and let the relay (correctly rated for the compressor) do the hard work.

You could always get a high rated switch, but then that normally means running loads of LARGE cables to the dash or wherever you position the switch.

Using a relay limits the amout of LARGE cables you need to run, as the cable from the relay to the switch can be much, much smaller.

Always use a fuse (again of the correct rating for the compressor)

Originally Posted by ladas

It's always safer to wire things that draw high currents via a relay, and have the switch operate the relay and let the relay (correctly rated for the compressor) do the hard work.

You could always get a high rated switch, but then that normally means running loads of LARGE cables to the dash or wherever you position the switch.

Using a relay limits the amout of LARGE cables you need to run, as the cable from the relay to the switch can be much, much smaller.

Always use a fuse (again of the correct rating for the compressor)

^^^^^ pretty much

You going to run a pressure switch and tank? or just turn it on?

I'm guessing your going to take pics and put the install in the tutorial section

Originally Posted by rovercare

^^^^^ pretty much

You going to run a pressure switch and tank? or just turn it on?

I'm guessing your going to take pics and put the install in the tutorial section

No tank for now and going to sqeeze it in somewhere near the filter housing so it will be short wiring with just a switch near by to turn on/off - do i need a relay ? its not big and wont be used continuosly like in a locker situation.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

No tank for now and going to sqeeze it in somewhere near the filter housing so it will be short wiring with just a switch near by to turn on/off - do i need a relay ? its not big and wont be used continuosly like in a locker situation.

Need to know the current draw, but if your switching it on in the engine bay? Don't bother, just buy a 20-30A switch and hook it up.........with a fuse of course

Originally Posted by rovercare

Need to know the current draw, but if your switching it on in the engine bay? Don't bother, just buy a 20-30A switch and hook it up.........with a fuse of course

Thats my plan as i dont know the current draw.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

No tank for now and going to sqeeze it in somewhere near the filter housing so it will be short wiring with just a switch near by to turn on/off - do i need a relay ? its not big and wont be used continuosly like in a locker situation.

What are you going to use the compressor for? I've heard that the D3 compressors aren't the fastest for pumping up tyres, as they are designed for high pressure, but low volume. Diff lock compressors only run for a couple of seconds. ARB diff locks only need about 105 PSI and the volume of air needed is tiny. If anyone is interested I can post up some pictures of my big red compressor with air tank, pressure switch and the rest.

Yes please

Does anyone know the flow rate on a D3 suspension compressor?

I'm hooking one up to a tank/pressure switch, but I want to put a non-return valve on it. The guy behind the counter asked me for the flow rate as there are different valves.

Waz