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8.2 Air Compressor

ARB Twin Compressor system with air tank and automatic pressure management for locker operation and tire inflation.

Model: ARB CKBLTA12 Brushless Twin Motor Onboard 12V Air Compressor

Installation Guide: ARB CKBLTA12 Installation PDF

Maximum Amperage Draw: 90A total (45A per motor × 2 motors)

Fuse Configuration: Dual 60A MIDI fuses via SafetyHub 150 (one per motor)

Location: Under passenger seat

Specifications

  • Smart Start feature with staggered power-on to reduce startup spike
  • 100% duty cycle
  • Maximum pressure: 150 PSI
  • Air flow at 0 PSI: 9.18 CFM
  • IP67 water resistant

Control System

  • Control: SwitchPros OUTPUT-11 (15A output, Button 11)
  • OUTPUT-11 provides switched 12V control signal to compressor
  • Compressor has internal relay/control that handles high-current motor switching
  • 14 AWG wire from OUTPUT-11 to compressor control terminal
  • Ground: 6 AWG black wire from compressor to AUX battery negative (direct connection for 90A return current)

Wiring

Circuit Source Destination Wire Protection Notes
Motor 1 Power SafetyHub MIDI-1 (60A) Compressor motor 1 positive 6 AWG 60A MIDI Via SafetyHub 150A CB
Motor 2 Power SafetyHub MIDI-2 (60A) Compressor motor 2 positive 6 AWG 60A MIDI Via SafetyHub 150A CB
Ground Compressor negative terminal AUX battery negative 6 AWG None Direct for 90A return current
Control SwitchPros OUTPUT-11 Compressor control terminal 14 AWG 15A Auto or manual activation

Wiring Summary:

  1. Motor 1 Power (+): CONSTANT bus → SafetyHub (150A breaker) → SafetyHub MIDI-1 (60A) → 6 AWG → compressor motor 1
  2. Motor 2 Power (+): CONSTANT bus → SafetyHub (150A breaker) → SafetyHub MIDI-2 (60A) → 6 AWG → compressor motor 2
  3. Ground (-): Compressor negative terminal → 6 AWG → AUX battery negative
  4. Control (Automatic): Pressure switch (ARB 180901) → SwitchPros TRIGGER-3 (Pin 17) → OUTPUT-11 → compressor control
  5. Control (Manual Override): SwitchPros Button 11 → OUTPUT-11 → compressor control

Air Tank

ARB 1-Gallon Air Tank

Model: ARB 171601

Product Page: ARB 1-Gallon Air Tank

Spec Value
Capacity 1 gallon (4 liters)
Working Pressure 150 PSI maximum
Material Forged aluminum
Mounting Under passenger seat (with compressor)
Ports 2 ports (input from compressor, output to manifold)

Purpose:

  • Instant locker engagement (no waiting for compressor to build pressure)
  • Reduces compressor cycling frequency
  • Multiple locker uses per tank fill
  • Quick tire pressure adjustments
  • Air reserve for emergency use

Pressure Switch

ARB Pressure Switch

Model: ARB 180901

Product Page: ARB Pressure Switch

Spec Value
Cut-In Pressure 135 PSI (compressor starts)
Cut-Out Pressure 150 PSI (compressor stops)
Mounting On air manifold
Electrical Low-current switch (<1A)

Function:

  • Monitors tank pressure continuously
  • Automatically activates compressor when pressure drops below 135 PSI
  • Automatically deactivates compressor when pressure reaches 150 PSI
  • Integrated with SwitchPros TRIGGER-3 for automatic control

Air Manifold

Configuration: 4-6 port brass manifold

Location: Under passenger seat (with compressor and tank)

Port Assignments:

  1. Input: Compressor output → manifold input
  2. Output 1: Manifold → Front locker solenoid (1/4" air line)
  3. Output 2: Manifold → Rear locker solenoid (1/4" air line)
  4. Output 3: Manifold → Rear Air Chuck Plate (1/4" air line)
  5. Output 4: Manifold → Pressure gauge (0-200 PSI, panel-mounted)
  6. Output 5: Manifold → Pressure switch (ARB 180901)

Automatic Pressure Control

SwitchPros Integration

Control Architecture:

Air Tank Pressure Switch (ARB 180901)
    ↓ (trigger signal when pressure < 135 PSI)
SwitchPros TRIGGER-3 (Pin 17, PINK wire)
    ↓
SwitchPros Logic: TRIGGER-3 OR Button 11 → OUTPUT-11
    ↓
OUTPUT-11 activates compressor
    ↓
Compressor fills tank to 150 PSI → pressure switch opens → compressor stops

SwitchPros Programming:

  • TRIGGER-3 Input: Pressure switch signal (tank < 135 PSI activates trigger)
  • OUTPUT-11 Logic: Button 11 OR TRIGGER-3 → OUTPUT-11 (compressor)
  • Manual Override: Press Button 11 anytime to force compressor on (e.g., for tire inflation)
  • Automatic Mode: TRIGGER-3 maintains tank pressure 135-150 PSI without user intervention

Operational Modes:

Mode Control Method Use Case
Automatic Pressure switch via TRIGGER-3 Normal operation - system maintains pressure automatically
Manual Override Button 11 (latching mode) Tire inflation - keep compressor running continuously
Off Button 11 off + tank > 135 PSI Compressor idle, tank maintains pressure for locker use

Pressure Switch Wiring

Circuit Source Destination Wire Protection
Pressure Switch Trigger Pressure switch signal terminal SwitchPros TRIGGER-3 (Pin 17) 18 AWG None (low current)

Safety Considerations

Compressor Operation

  • Monitor compressor duty cycle during extended use
  • Allow cooling periods if running continuously for tire inflation
  • Check air line connections regularly for leaks
  • Drain moisture from tank/system periodically

Outstanding Items

  • Verify ARB CKBLTA12 wiring harness connector pinout for motor 1, motor 2, and control terminals
  • Confirm under-seat mounting bracket/location for compressor and 1-gallon tank
  • Source 4-6 port air manifold with 1/4" NPT fittings
  • Order 0-200 PSI pressure gauge (panel-mount or in-line)