Looking For Switch

I need a push switch that will fit the oem blank on the left side. The switch needs to be at least 30 amps but I can't find anything that high, everything else I need a relay for which I don't want to do

 

I would run a 30amp load through a relay. Are you installing cab top lights? A fused relay is safer.

 

Yeah you don’t want 30 amps in the cab right next to you. Use a relay.

 

It's for a compressor, I'm using a master switch to shut it off when I don't want it to run. The compressor will only be on for 2-3 minutes tops at a time. The switch I'm asking for is also over rated for the compressor, I could get away with a 20 amp

 

Definitely use a relay, put the relay near the battery, and keep the 30amp lines as short as possible between the battery and compressor, it will run much better.

 

Yeah, that's what its looking like will have to be done. Just trying to run as few wires as possible because more wires means more possible fail points

 

Hence using a relay will make it safe and easy. Use 8 or even 6 guage wire to power the compressor (I'm assuming for a 30amp load), and you can lighten up on the wires between the switch to the relay. Put an inline fuse on the circuit between the relay and battery, too!

 

True, but using a relay you can keep the bigger wires shorter and have low current in the dash. I doubt anybody makes a switch for that location rated that high, as a push switch it'd need to be pretty robust and probably too big.

 

Oh, and don’t start a “I smell smoke” thread!

 

Hey... What's that smell?

 

The compressor is 21 amps at peak, so normal operating amps is probably almost half that

 

I did just find this, not very pretty but definitely would do the trick.
http://www.wiringproducts.com/50amp-toggle-switches

 

A relay will make it easier. You can run smaller wires in the cab

 

How far from the battery are you mounting the compressor?

 

Yeah that could be a dangerous site. It makes me want to tear out my dash and do a race car type interior.

 

Literally the other end of the truck, where the spare tire is/was

 

Use 8-guage wires from battery to back, and your relay as close to the battery as possible. Be sure to put a 30 or 25 amp fuse or circuit breaker (I used a switched one like this:

$16 T Tocas 30 Amp Panel Mount Circuit Breaker with Manual Reset Button Switchable for Car Truck RV ATV Marine Trolling Motors Boat Audio System 32V

https://www.amazon.com/Tocas-Waterp...it+breaker&dpPl=1&dpID=41Chhnr4SKL&ref=plSrch) on the hot between the relay and the battery too. Your relay switch wires to the cab could be as small as 16 guage - put a small fuse -1amp on that too.

Shield your power cables that you run through the frame- insulation damaging rubbing from vibration and rodents are your enemy!

Edit: by the way- if you run heavy guage wires to the back for the compressor, you can also use it for a winch or a more powerful AC inverter for power tools too.

 

I'm not a stranger to electronics, I'm not that much of an idiot

 

Sorry- didnt mean to imply that. These threads help others too, so extra time writing complete info can be useful. Your project sounds like it will be helpful for others wanting to do the same thing also.