How to set up a regulator.

Mini-regulator with gage

A regulator is a device that is used to change the pressure in the air line downstream from itself.

If the pressure coming into the regulator from the compressor tank is at a higher pressure than what is selected on the regulator, then the regulator will lower that pressure to the setting, and air tools and appliances downstream from it will only see that lower, regulated pressure.

Regulators can be installed in almost any plane (handle up, handle down, handle sideways - like the one in the photo) but all will have a method of adjusting the pressure setting of that regulator.

Regardless of where that adjusting handle or knob is oriented there's usually an arrow that indicates that if you turn the knob to the right a plus (+) happens, and if you turn the knob to the left a minus (-)happens. That means that turning the knob to the right will increase the DOWNSTREAM pressure from the regulator.

Even if there is no indicator, turning the nut, the knob or the T-handle will adjust the pressure up or down.

A compressor should come with two pressure gages. One is to indicate the compressed air pressure inside the air tank. The other gage should be on the regulator and it shows the pressure setting that you have selected for the downstream air.

If the gage on the tank says 110 PSI, and the gage on the regulator says 90 PSI, as long as there is more than 90 PSI air pressure in the tank, air tools or air using devices downstream from the regulator will get a steady flow of air at that 90 PSI.

If your compressor tank is at full pressure, then watch the gage on the regulator as you turn the knob.

You can't hurt it.

As you turn the knob the pressure reading on the gage will change, and wherever you set it, that's the pressure that flows downstream from that regulator.

As long as the pressure inside the tank is higher than that setting, that is.

You will note that you cannot dial the pressure of the regulator up past the supply pressure from the tank. A regulator cannot increase pressure over the actual supply pressure.