Would you wire the compressor directly to the battery or to accessory power so it only has juice when the key is on?
1637925
To the accessory power, also bought a steel line instead of using the plastic line
1637926
I wired mine to a switch so that I can turn it off at night. You wouldn't want an air leak or pressure switch malfunction while you were sleeping. This tank does not have a over pressure relief valve. My pressure switch got stuck on (salt water induced) and my tank filled up to 265psi before I caught it. So in my truck I ran a T off the tank and put a small gauge inside to moniter pressure. use a relay to provide power to the compressor using an ignition accessory signal to control the relay or if you want to use a switch inside, run constant power to the compressor and run the ground side through the switch. This is safer and won't melt the switch. Remember to always fuse the power side. I'm using a 20 amp which works fine. Good luck!
1078554
This compressor clips directly to the car battery. It draws 30A and has it's own fuse. That's what makes this such a powerful 12V compressor. The one that plug into the cigarette lighter outlet typically draw <15A, which means that they have 1/2 as much power and will take twice as long to do the same job. It's sorta like the difference of filling up a swimming pool with a 1/2" hose or a 1" hose...... take the 1" hose....trust me..... :-)
734270
I'd take it outside and use a can of air or a compressor. Check to see what mfr recommends first. Unplug it first, naturally
2135003
I tapped directly off the positive battery terminal, but hooked it to a relay, then out of the relay to the fuse for the gloves. The relay is controlled by a twelve volt line that is only on when the key is on. I tapped into an accessory terminal for this control voltage but any line that presents with 12 volts when the key is on will work. This prevents inadvertent battery drainage... The relays are relatively cheap and readily available.
64804
Keeping your engine running keeps the system voltage at 14vdc or above. With your engine off the battery voltage is 12.8vdc on a good battery. Ohms law states volts x amps =watts so as the voltage drops the amp load goes up causing more heat generation and stresses the wiring to the compressor. The compressor will also pump faster and not kill the battery. It's always better to run the engine unless the job is extremely small and low pressure.
1052325
no, might be a good idea, depending on the strength of your battery and how long you are going to use the compressor. but it is not "required"
458451
If it is turned on (lite on) its drawing power ...minimum but drawing power...plug it in a power outlet (lighter) that cuts off when key is off
1658611
Yes. They run off 12 volts, so I would advise that you hook them to the fuse box. If you hook directly to the battery you run the risk of draining it as it will always have power and could be bumped on. Run them to a ignition fuse, so when the key is off they wont drain the battery. Unless you want them to work while your away with the key off.
855892
It did not drain my battery when in accessory mode, but I usually start the car right after using the inflator, just in case it took some of the juice out of the battery. If you have more than one tire to inflate, you could also start the car after you finish with each tire. It will probably depend on how old your battery is and how much computerized equipment you have on your car. Sorry I couldn't be more specific
266671
When the car engine is running the alternator raises the battery to over 13 volts. The power needed for the compressor is the voltage times the current. Therefore the higher the voltage the lower the needed current. You have a lesser chance of exceding the current limit and blowing the fuse.
1287709
It is just a capacitor in place across the line of the starter for the compressor. The size of the compressor is the deciding factor, but it will not hurt to put the larger hard start kit in. The instructions are self explanatory.
2039969
I don't know if this applies to your situation, but when I first installed mine and turned it on the unit had to run for about 3 or 4 minutes before the compressor kicked in. This has also been the case when I unplugged it to move to a different outlet. The operating manual does mention that this is normal.
1569111
Not sure why you are fiddling with the battery clips as the unit is typically powered through the cigarette lighter and not directly via the battery. If your car will start, start it and plug the compressor into the cigarette lighter and try again. If you tried to power the unit directly to the battery it possible you damaged the compressor. If your unit is powered via clips new clips probably will not help. Check with Slime support for help.
159698
I connected mine directly on the battery but I'm sure either way would work fine.....make sure to connect the positive first (just a habit from jumper cables).....also remember that the instructions specifically say to plug in the unit AFTER it's connected (eg. don't connect it while it's powered up)!!!
2170530
If you wire the system to the ignition so when the key is off the power is also off so it won't drain your battery
855889
When engine is running, the alternator in your car charges the car battery, so the voltage in your car circuit is more than standard 12V (it will be somewhere between 13-14.4V). The compressor is designed to run from 12V and this is the voltage when the engine is stopped. Keep the ignition key in the position which powers all accessories but do not start the engine.
1453901
Plug it in and it's ready to go after you add the compressor oil included. If you are using it for ac recharge, perfect, that's what I bought mine for and it worked perfect!