- Joined
- Feb 13, 2017
- Messages
- 2,138
The whole idea is used regularly by many appliances, often using the ground lead as a neutral to get 120 volts. A proviso here is that the appliances are 'UL' approved so acceptable to insurers. If you have a neutral in the box, that whole point is moot. Now, to advisability of the idea. Yes, you can do it, but. . . And No, it is illegal (not to code) and insurers will do whatever they can to not pay. Just what you needed, an ambivalent answer, nei.
The issue I have (as a retired electrician) with what you spoke of is the use of one switch. The switch should be a (fusable?) disconnect, not a lighting switch. And further, the circuit should be sized so that the compressor AND the fan running does not exceed 80% of the breaker capacity. By rights, even a 240 volt motor on the fan should have a separate circuit feeding it. That covers the legal aspects of what you're doing. A disclaimer on my part, if you will. As far as will it work, it has been done countless times across the country and usually not found out.
A comment was made above about making it part of the compressor. The up side of that is that the code essentially ends at the plug. The cord is part of the appliance (compressor) and not subject to the code. Just make sure to connect at the cord, ahead of the pressure switch.
.
The issue I have (as a retired electrician) with what you spoke of is the use of one switch. The switch should be a (fusable?) disconnect, not a lighting switch. And further, the circuit should be sized so that the compressor AND the fan running does not exceed 80% of the breaker capacity. By rights, even a 240 volt motor on the fan should have a separate circuit feeding it. That covers the legal aspects of what you're doing. A disclaimer on my part, if you will. As far as will it work, it has been done countless times across the country and usually not found out.
A comment was made above about making it part of the compressor. The up side of that is that the code essentially ends at the plug. The cord is part of the appliance (compressor) and not subject to the code. Just make sure to connect at the cord, ahead of the pressure switch.
.