The diaphragm is a rubber gasket covering that moves up and down in response to the pressure force inside the compressor. The spring will require less force for sliding if you relax it. Once you compress the spring, the flap will exert more significant pressure right before the spring can move the connectors separated from each other. Springs can be used to regulate the air compressor’s cut-in and cut-out levels. While the switch contacts are two main points constructed with metal, when detached and attached, they can establish or break the current flow. The pressure switch is linked to the incoming and outgoing wire through the terminals. The pressure switch starts or stops the power supply indicating when the air compressor should start. The purpose of having an adjustable switching device is to make sure that the air compressor works under permissible levels while maintaining the practical pressure level. The switch’s ON/OFF function activates and stops the motor and the pressure pump.
The main components of an air compressor pressure switch are: So when the tank’s air pressure drops and additional gas is required, the air compressor pressure switch will activate your compressors. Ideally, you should get the correctly sized compressor for the job.Īs always, check the air compressor manufacturers label for the recommended PSI.When you need to go on a daily task, the air compressor pressure switch will assist your machines in maintaining the correct system pressure. While most tanks are designed to withstand excess pressure, many of them have had water in them for several seasons and are rusted and weakened, making the risk of explosion much higher. If it causes a rupture of the storage tank, the results can be deadly. It can be very dangerous to increase the pressure output of your pump. Also, be aware that by creating this “artificial demand”, you are going to increase your consumption costs and run the risk of destroying the compressor pump.īefore adjusting your pressure switch, check to make sure your regulator is adjusted properly. However, you need to be careful not to exceed your equipment’s safety ratings. Maybe you are doing a lot of work with hardwoods or you are working on a project that needs more torque.ĭialing up the pressure switch can help you “cheat” that little extra power from your compressor. Increasing the settings can allow you to get more pressure from your existing machine. Can you turn up the pressure on your compressor? Risks and Dangers This can be handy if you have an oversized compressor and are using it for a job that doesn’t need the added pressure. If you don’t need as much pressure, dialing the switch back can make your compressor more efficient, reducing costs and maintenance. If the pressure builds to a dangerous level, unplug your compressor immediately.īack to Top ▲ Why would you lower the pressure?Įfficiency also comes into play. Maintain a minimum of 20-PSI pressure range between cut-in and cut-out.Ĭaution: It is possible to set the cut-out pressure so high that the compressor doesn’t turn off, and runs until the safety valve engages, the motor burns up, or the tank ruptures. Adjustment is the same: unplug the compressor and turn the set screw one rotation inward to get a higher pressure level and is turned counter-clockwise to get a lower pressure level. Ideally, the cutout pressure point is set about 20-40 psi higher than the cut-in pressure. If you need to make further adjustments, unplug the compressor before doing so to avoid electrical shock.Ĥ. Plug-in the compressor, and, if there is air in the tank, you can use the drain valve to release pressure (or simply attach a blowgun to your compressor and bleed off air) to observe the new cut-in pressures. Turning it counter-clockwise causes it to cut in sooner - at a lower pressure.ģ. Dialing it in causes the compressor to kick in later - at a higher pressure. In most cases, I find the cut-in pressure screw to be closest to the compressor motor. Before setting the cutout pressure point, you need to-first-set the cut-in pressure point. Make sure you have unplugged the air compressor, and remove the cover off the pressure switch.Ģ. Steps To Adjusting The Air Compressor Pressure Switch:ġ.