[Shop-talk] Air solenoid valve

[David C.]

I am thinking of putting an air solenoid valve in my compressor tank 
outlet.  I already have a manual valve I open when I go out to the shop, 
and (usually) close when I leave.  I valve the tank off because various 
QD fittings on the piping leak a little bit and the compressor will 
cycle every couple of hours if I don't valve off the outlet. 
Occasionally I forget to close the valve and then after a couple of days 
I will be reminded by either hearing the compressor or, more often, by 
the quick flicker of the lights when the compressor starts.

I thought if I put a 110 volt solenoid in the outlet, I could put a 
spring wound line voltage timer in the circuit and whenever I go out in 
the shop, I would give the timer a twist which would open the valve for 
the timer duration.  I think I can get one that is good for eight hours.

Anyone got a source for a reasonably priced 1/2" or 3/4" NPT 110 volt 
solenoid valve?  MCC was not much help.

Would an irrigation valve work?  It worked fine in the spud gun....

thanks
Dave