Air compressor starts ok, runs for a few seconds (5-10) getting slower

by Joe
(Leicester, England)

Starts ok, runs for 5-10 secs getting slower and slower until either the cut out pops or the house RCD trips. After this the start capacitor is warm.... I have also noticed a burning smell. It seems to run ok and builds a very small amount of air, which i know from draining it.

Thanks
Joe

___________________
Bill says...

Joe, your compressor motor is struggling to work against load.

Start by draining the tank and then trying to start the compressor with no air in the tank. If this makes a change, please post it as a comment here.

Can we assume there is no change in the power supply to your compressor, no other equipment pulling power at the same time, and no extension cord being used?

See the page on this site about checking capacitor function.

Then, read the information found in the troubleshooting pages and section, compressor will not build pressure.

Post any results here.

Cheers,

Bill






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Air compressor starts ok, runs for a few seconds (5-10) getting slower

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Dec 06, 2011
 Fixed!
by: Joe

Thanks very much for your advice, turns out it was the start capacitor. I disconnected it, removed the fan casing and started the motor by spinning the fan and it sprang into life. Looks like im buying a new capacitor.

Could you advise me on what to buy based on the motor specs as the specs of the capacitor have been mainly rubbed off.

Thanks
Joe

___________________

Not all capacitors are the same, and I don't know the make or model of yours either. Contact your local electrical supply shops, and if they sell capacitors, take your old one with you to pick up the new. In fact, if you have both start and run, take them both, and ask them to double check their function.

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