Compressor keeps cutting off before desired set pressure is reached.

by Brian Parrish
(Rocky Mount, NC , USA)

Air compressor cuts off , tryed by-passing pressure switch and main switch, compressor would run only about a minute, then cut off, could this be a capacitor problem?

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Bill says...

Hello Brian. Good on you for bypassing the pressure switch and proving that it isn't your pressure switch that is cause the compressor problem you describe.

Reasons why a compressor motor will shut off before the compressor reaches cut out pressure. Lots of info on the pages linked from page "will not build pressure".

If you are using an extension cord, lose it, and then see what happens. Make sure no other device is pulling power from the air compressor circuit when it's starting, or even when running, if possible.

Does the motor start to lug before it stops, or does it just quit?

It might be going off on thermal overload, or it might be a capacitor or motor problem.

If you've got clean and plentiful power to the compressor and it won't run, time to get the capacitor / motor checked I would say.

Cheers,

Bill