Pressure Switch: what does a compressor pressure switch do?What is a compressor pressure switch, and what does it do for us? DefinitionA pressure switch is simply a device that reacts to the changing pressure in a system. As it reacts to that pressure change in the system the pressure switch generates or drops an outgoing signal that is used to initiate another action. In the case of our air compressor, the "another action" is to turn on or turn off the electric motor. Compressor Pressure Switch
The 'black box' contains the working components of the pressure switch, including the adjustment nuts. The handle at the bottom front with the red knob on the end is the OFF / RUN switch on this unit. Yours may vary, or you may not have one at all. On the right you can see the top of the air gauge on my compressor pressure switch (with the white label on top ). This gauge shows the tank pressure when the compressor has reached cut out pressure and stops, and then tracks the pressure in the tank as the it drops to the pressure switch cut in pressure setting. Under The LidIf you wish to explore your compressor pressure switch, make sure that the compressor power supply is unplugged then go ahead, remove the cover.
Just above this info, and not shown on my photo, is an electrical schematic of the switch. You will likely have this information under the lid on your pressure switch too. More Under The Lid
There are two nuts buried in sealant, one to adjust the high pressure cut out, and the other for the low pressure cut in. For the most part, you won't need to try to adjust the pressure settings of your pressure switch. They are factory set for the capabilities of your compressor and there is little to be gained by messing with them. You can see that the sealant on mine is pristine, and it will stay that way. If I have a pressure switch problem, then I'll simply replace the switch. The cut out and cut in pressures are satisfactory for my needs, else, I would have purchasing a compressor with higher or lower pressures. You do want to know what your compressor settings are. In the event you replace your pressure switch with an after-market unit, you may have to set that one to match the original settings. Here is more information on pressure switches including troubleshooting.
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