Compressor fills up the first time and trips it's own breaker when it tries to autofill.

by Nicole
(Vancouver BC Canada)

So... I bought this thing on Craig's list. I swear, the number of times I buy stuff on there and have to spend more money when I get it home and try to use it.... Anyhow. The twin tank (unknown horsepower) air compressor that I bought fills the first time, however, it seems like it does struggle a bit to get the oomph to start going. Fine, it fills. Then I use it and the pressure goes down. It trips it's own breaker when it tries to auto fill.

What is the problem and what do I have to do to fix this so that I can use it normally?

I also would like to know what other kinds of maintenance I can perform on the machine so that it runs more smoothly. ie: so that it doesn't seem to draw as much power upon start up.

Much gratitude.

Nicole
Vancouver BC.

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Bill says...

You cannot affect the amount of electrical inrush your compressor needs to start. That is predicated by the motor.

What helps give your motor the oomph to start is the start capacitor. If yours is failing, that needs to be checked. It's located on the motor as a norm.

Before you do that, open the tank drain and drain the tank down to 0 PSI. Close the drain, and turn the compressor on again. You say it should start and run up to cut out pressure. As it approaches the cut out pressure level, watch the unloader valve when the pressure switch shuts the compressor off. Does air blow out of the unloader valve at shut off? If not, the unloader valve might be your problem.

As to maintenance, don't run beyond it's Duty Cycle, and make sure the oil is filled properly.

Cheers,

Bill