Troubleshooting a pressure switch for Porter Cable pancake compressor

by Duane
(Ft Myers, Florida)

I am attempting to troubleshoot the pressure switch of a Porter Cable C2005 Type 2, 6 gallon pancake compressor, with a multimeter.

When I probe both leads of the switch, without being under pressure, it shows it is a closed loop (which I think should be correct). Is this the correct condition, or should it show as open? I am really stumped here; the compressor simply will not power up. I have checked everything else I can think of,i.e. On/off switch-good, 20amp fuse-good, windings-good, brushes-good, power to unit-good. Any ideas or thoughts would be greatly appreciated.





Bill says...

Duane, you sound like a pretty capable guy.

The real test to see if it's the switch is to pull the wires that feed the motor, add a plug (extension wires if need be) and then plug the motor in directly.

If it starts, it's the pressure switch.

If it doesn't then it's the capacitor or motor, I would think.

When you plug in the compressor and switch it on, is the tank empty? By that I mean is the pressure in the tank below the cut in pressure level?

Cheers,

Bill




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Troubleshooting a pressure switch for Porter Cable pancake compressor

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Nov 19, 2011
 pressure swich adjustment
by: Bob Bennett

I have a Porter Cable pancake compressor (150psi) with the earier lever style (on/off) pressure switch. The tank pressure gauge says 165lbs at motor shut off. When flipping the lever down unplugged)the pop off does not activate so It's not a faulty switch. Can I/me remove the switch cover and lower the pressure to the tank with the torques drive adjustment screw?

_________________

Bob, you can adjust both the cut in and cut out pressures by tightening or loosening the nuts on the threaded studs at one end of the pressure switch. If you must adjust them, and unless you have replaced the switch with a different brand and the settings are wrong and you wish to correct them, I advise against changing factory settings as they are set that way for the best operation of the air compressor.

Inside the pressure switch is "hot" if the compressor is plugged in, and if you touch the wrong thing, you could be zapped!
Jan 17, 2010
 Porter cable c2005 air compressor
by: Anonymous

I have a porter cable c2005 pancake air compressor. I just changed the pressure switch as prescribed by the dewalt porter cable store and the compressor still gets up to 50psi and keeps running and never gets above 50 psi. could it be a bad switch? Can any one offer any trouble shooting assistance





Bill says...

These situations are very hard to diagnose from afar.

If the pressure in the tank never gets above 50 PSI, and the compressor starts at the cut in pressure level, then it's likely not the pressure switch that's the problem.

Here are two pages that you should read. Here is number one, and here is number two.

Look to leaking or failed reed valves, or gaskets.

Cheers,

Bill

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