I'm noticing a slight burning smell in the outbound air flow when using the compressor

by mike
(littleton, co)

I'm using it connected to a 30' extension cord...I can see a wire(?) glowing slightly under the plastic cover of the unit..and the smell is obviously from that...the smell happens after its been on for awhile (clearing sprinkler system, it periodically comes on to replenish the air)

It's a 26 gallon Craftsman 160 PSI max air compressor- vertical..about 2 years old..not a lot of use...

any ideas?
thanks a ton!

______________________
Bill says...

If you aren't using a very heavy duty extension cord, it sounds like you are melting the cord due to the resistance to the current flow in the too small wire.

It does say in a few places on this website to avoid using any extension cord if possible, and it that is not possible, use a short, heavy duty unit.... but!

The best thing to do is not to use an extension cord at all, use a longer air line to your application. If your air flow is reduced by pressure drop over the line, nothing on the end of it will suffer, usually. If you use a too long and too small extension cord, you could burn out the compressor motor.

Cheers,

Bill