Compressor keeps kickin out breaker in home...

by Donte
(Gary, in. U.S.)

i just bought this air compressor, and it runs fine for awhile. but after about the first tank of air is used, it starts to fill the tank and kicks out the breaker... Why?





Bill says...

Good question, Donte. First though, hey, thanks for visiting my site and taking the time to write in.

Second, the breaker kicks out because something in the circuit is drawing more amps than the circuit can deliver.

That your compressor starts kind of rules out the Unloader Valve. If you're not sure about that, go to the site map under "U" for unloader valve, and read how they are supposed to work. Does that provide any help?

OK, what else? Is there a short in any of the supply wires of any kind?

Next, it could be an issue with the motor windings and they are delivering a short after the motor gets warm.

Are you using an extension cord that's under-delivering electricity to the motor?

It could be that the pressure switch is failing, and when the pressure in the tank reaches a certain level, that causes a short that pops the breaker.

So many things, Donte.

Maybe you could be a bit more specific? What compressor, what HP, does it pop the breaker at the same place every time? What amperage is the breaker?

Cheers,

Bill





Comments for
Compressor keeps kickin out breaker in home...

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Jul 31, 2010
 Don't install a bigger breaker
by: Anonymous

Don't listen to anyone saying to add a bigger circuit breaker. Do it only if you want to take a chance of catching your motor on fire, and possibly your home with it. Letting it draw more amps will let it overheat. If it is rated at 15 running amps and uses 20. The motor is garbage and wasn't designed correctly.
Jul 31, 2010
 Craftsman let me down
by: Anonymous

My Craftsman air compressor 919.167210 rated to run at 15 amps as well, but runs at 20 amps and
buzzes the 20 amp circuit breaker if it doesn't decide to trip at every start-up. Keeping the craftsman motor is a complete waste. I am getting another brand that doesn't falsify the running amps. Sounds like a common problem to me.
Mar 10, 2010
 compressor kickin out breaker
by: Roger P

i have a 07 craftsman 2hp 33gal model 919.167320 air compressor running on a 20amp breaker with only dust to dawn lawn light on it. the book said it can run on 15amp circuit breaker,what going on? are there any recalls or bulletins on this unit?and has anyone else had is problem?.........need help..............thankyou
Feb 15, 2010
 Coleman Powermate CL0502710
by: BillJam

27 gal 5hp peak Powermate air compressor

I have a similar situation with the breaker tripping but only after it has filled to 120 psi and attempts to refill when dropping below 80 psi.

I looked at the check valve and studied the pressure switch. I found that if after in fills all the way, I pull the PRV and let it drop pressure, it kicks in without throwing the breaker.

The I listened and I hear a series of clicks. In repetition, I checked if it would work after each click. After the first click at about two seconds after fill, it's fine, another less audible click at about 13 seconds, still fine. Then at 15 seconds - still fine. After the 4th click (another that is less audible) at around 40 to 60 seconds, it throws the breaker.

The whole time the unloader valve (which seems to release through what my compressor calls a bleeder valve) seems to be working fine.

I suspect the pressure switch needs replacing but wondered if there were other opinions. Obviously, the motor and capacitor are OK or I wouldn't be getting the results I am.

-Bill
Nov 30, 2009
 AIR COMPRESSOR
by: BILL

if your compressor starts and builds up air pressure to 150 psi and then bleeds down to where it starts again and then trips then it not electrical it is in the unloader or the check valve
_________________
Or the pressure switch???

B.
Oct 27, 2009
 compressor blows breaker
by: Anonymous

You are probably pulling to many amps for that circuit. If, for example, your compressor runs on 120vac and uses 20 amps, and your breaker is a 20 amp breaker then you are using too much. You wouldn't drive your car around town with the RPM's at redline all day, likewise you should never use a circuit at it's maximum capacity. The first time your compressor runs, that breaker is heating up, the second time it trips because, for a fraction of a second at start-up, the motor pulls a lot more than it's rated current than when it's actually running. It could easily pull 30 amps or more and that already warm breaker is now very sensitive. Your best remedy for this example would be to run a new dedicated 30 amp circuit to the compressor. DO NOT put a bigger breaker at the panel!! The breaker is there to protect to the wiring in the walls from overheating and burning your house down.

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