Compressor keeps burning up contacts on pressure switch

by Mark
(Fort Myers FL)

I have an Ingersoll Rand SS3660V 60Gal 3 HP compressor. About a year ago I replaced the pressure switch because the contacts on the switch were burnt and fusing together. Now a little over a year later, I have a bad switch again. What is causing the contacts to fail so fast? Is it the motor itself or the capacitors on the motor? What would be the best way to test these components?

Thanks!

_______________________
Bill says...

The speed with which the pressure switch fails is connected to the frequency of use, that's axiomatic.

In your case, I wonder how the amperage / voltage supply to the compressor is? Under power could be part of it.

Are there many other electricity-drawing appliances on the same circuit that might be running while you are using your compressor?

Worth checking out, I'd say.

Cheers,

Bill




Comments for
Compressor keeps burning up contacts on pressure switch

Click here to add your own comments

Oct 08, 2010
Ingersol Rand SS3660V
by: Mark

The compressor is on a 220V circuit all by itself, It has been in the same location on the same electric circuit for about 7 years. I just figured that the motor or capacitors could be getting tired and drawing more current. I was wondering if there is a good way to test this theory (excessive amperage draw) or am I wrong in thinking that the motor or capacitors could be failing. It ran for 6 years working 5 days a weeks (8hr days) and never had an issue with the switch. Thanks so much for the replies!

Click here to add your own comments

Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How?
Simply click here to return to Electrical-troubleshooting-compressors