My IR won't stay running.

by Joe
(Canada)

I bought and installed a 3 hp IR with a 60 gallon tank today. Wiring is all good and it's on a 30 amp double breaker. Compressor starts fine but motor overloads at about 25 psi and kicks out. Doesn't throw the breaker, just the reset on the motor ?

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Bill says...

Joe, it sounds like an overload on the motor. Overloading the motor heats it up to a thermal cut out setting that shuts it down to prevent motor damage.

Or, it could be the motor itself that's the problem, but cannot be sure.

If it's an oil lubed compressor, it has oil, hmmmm?

If it's doable, maybe decouple the motor from the pump and start it again to see if the motor runs without load and doesn't go off on thermal.

That just confirms what is happening, but still doesn't tell you where the extra load is coming from, or if the motor is the problem.

When you say wiring is all good, I take that to mean that you are not using an extension cord? If you are, try plugging it in directly too to see if that makes a difference. A too small power cord can cause the motor to overheat.

Keep us posted, OK?

Bill