Electrical Advice/Knowledge Requested

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Vehicle:  2020 Chevy Silverado TB LT

Objective:  Install ARB Air Compressor in truck using GM Upfitter Switches

 

I get around, a lot.  Offroading, driving on beach, desert cruising, camping, hunting, etc.  I also stop and help people that are stuck in the middle of the road.  Basically, I use my truck to do truck things.  Whether it's for myself where I need to adjust air pressure in the tires, or to help somebody with a flat tire, I want to install a small air compressor in the bed of my truck.  I'm looking specifically at ARB air compressors because of their popularity, compact size, and commercial support.  I want to power switch to be switch #5 on the GM Upfitter switches, which I already have installed.  I am aware this switch is already pre-wired for a rooftop light, but I don't have a rooftop light and believe I can just spice right into it.  I also like switch #5 because it's on a 30 Amp fuse.  I was hoping to go with ARB's twin compressor (CKMTA12), but looking at the spec sheet (attached) I don't believe this is a good idea because it's too much of a load.  This caused me to start looking at their next compressor down, the CKMA12, which is a single version.  The amperage seems to be just below the threshold of the fuse for switch #5 until it gets to 100% load.  Given that I won't be using the air compressor for air tools because everything I own is battery-powered, and I only see myself using it to fill tires (and maybe the occasional air mattress for camping or kid's floaty for a day at the beach, is it okay to go with the CKMA12, or is it too much of a load?  Am I completely mistaken about the CKMTA12, and it's okay to use?

 

I'm not proficient in electrical matters.  I can do the install so long as it's plug and play, and maybe a splice or 2.  I can create basic harnesses with Deutsche and weatherpack connectors, so long as they don't have relays, etc.  But there's definitely a knowledge gap on my end beyond those abilities.  Advice and input is greatly appreciated.  Thank you in advance. 

[richard wysong]

There is a relay in that circuit already but where it is only a 30a  circuit I would just create a new circuit with the correct gauge wire , fuse and relay to handle the desired load. you could still use that switch to control the circuit as the switch just delivers the ground to activate the relay. A relay is basically just an electrically controlled switch so that you are not running high current through the manual switch and can keep the high current circuit more direct. For the larger compressor you may want to run a constant duty solenoid vs a relay due to the high load and an under hood circuit breaker

Edited March 5, 2023 by richard wysong

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On 3/5/2023 at 2:42 AM, richard wysong said:

There is a relay in that circuit already but where it is only a 30a  circuit I would just create a new circuit with the correct gauge wire , fuse and relay to handle the desired load. you could still use that switch to control the circuit as the switch just delivers the ground to activate the relay. A relay is basically just an electrically controlled switch so that you are not running high current through the manual switch and can keep the high current circuit more direct. For the larger compressor you may want to run a constant duty solenoid vs a relay due to the high load and an under hood circuit breaker

Thank you for your reply.  I read it a few days ago and had to stew over it to fully grasp what you were saying.  Like I said, "I'm not proficient in electrical matters".  Sounds like it will be easier for me to just use the ARB wiring harness and install directly to the vehicle battery and pace the switch in the truck bed near the compressor.  In that regard I'll just go with the twin setup.  I was planning on installing rock lights and chase lights to switch #4 of the upfitter switches, but I guess I'll just do rock lights on switch #4 and chase lights on switch #5.

 

Thank you very much for your input.  It is greatly appreciated.