Compressor trips breaker - and what oil to use?
by Peter
(Carlshalton Surry England)
The compressor trips the electric when I press start. Also the oil is low and I don't know what oil to use. It is a screw compressor.
peter.c@hotmail.co.uk
Bill answers...
Hi Peter. Nice to hear from the UK.
Interesting that you include a comment about oil in a question about the compressor tripping the breaker.
One of the things that pops electric breakers or fuses is that the electric device, in your case the compressor electric motor, is drawing more amperage than the circuit is rated for.
One reason a motor may draw more amperage than normal is that the shaft can't rotate freely.
A reason why a motor shaft cannot rotate freely is that what it's attached to has seized.
And what it's attached to, in a compressor, might seize because it hasn't got enough lubricating oil.
As to the oil, if you know the brand of compressor you have, find them on the web and ask. Failing that, find another supplier of rotary screw compressors on the web and ask them what oil they recommend for their compressors, and buy that.
While I can't be sure from the limited info in your question, it would appear to me that your circuit breaking problems may be due to seized compressor components. That being the case, you're in for a major repair.
Cheers,
Bill
