Compressor runs 4 a few seconds then stops and trips 20amp breaker

by Carl Grim
(Alexandria,Virginia)

Husky 26gal oil upright air compressor.This unit has worked great 4 10 yrs until the other day.The air compressor run 4 few seconds cuts out and trips the breaker.I replaced the start capicator which didn't help.The oil level is at max.Do you have any suggestions Thanks Carl

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Bill says...

If you have the skills in house, try bypassing the pressure switch and see if the motor and compressor runs without popping the breaker.

I think that the pressure switch might be the problem. At least, that would be the first item I would check, if all other conditions about the compressor and the power supply to it hadn't changed.

Let us know if that helps, will you? And regardless of whether or not it's the pressure switch that is the problem, DO NOT leave the compressor wired to bypass the pressure switch. You may create a bigger, and deadly, problem by doing so.

Cheers,

Bill