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A common problem with Central Pneumatic air compressors is the Central Pneumatic air compressor reset button tripping. This article will provide you with the most common reasons as to why this is happening, along with existing reader questions & responses!
Visit our Central Pneumatic Air Compressors – Information, Manuals, Service Locations for more information on this brand of compressors!
Table of Contents
- Reasons Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Reset Button
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Reader Questions & Responses
Reasons Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Reset Button
There are a few reasons as to why your reset button may be tripping on your air compressor and these are:
- Power supply
- Air compressor runs too long
- Centrifugal switch
Power Supply
Check to make sure that your air compressor is plugged right into the wall socket, and that it is not being powered through an extension cord or power bar. They may not be large enough to allow the flow of power that the compressor motor needs to operate efficiently.
Air Compressor Runs Too Long
If you are using your air compressor for extended periods, the typical DIY air compressor will overheat. The duty cycle of the compressor may be less than the time you are requiring it to run, and the motor will overheat.
If you believe this is happening to your air compressor, try only running it for ten minutes and then letting it sit for at least the same amount of time so that the motor can cool, before firing it up again.
Centrifugal Switches
The centrifugal switch can stick which will keep the start windings energized tripping the thermal switch. If the centrifugal switch were to get stuck in an open position then the windings won’t shift properly.
The start windings can’t withstand the heat of the compressor’s full RPM which subsequently causes the compressor to overheat and the reset button to trip.
For more detailed information, please visit our Air Compressor Reset Button Always Trips – Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Overload guide here!
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
One of the most common problems for reset button tripping is due to excessive air compressor usage, otherwise known as the compressor running too long and causing the compressor to overheat.
Reader Questions & Responses
Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Keeps Tripping Reset Button – Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
I turn on my air compressor and it will run up to about 25 pounds pop the black reset button on the side of the motor, I wait a few minutes to reset and it will run for about another 10 or 20 pounds, and pop the button again. I have had this for about 5 years and never had this problem before it would pump up to 110 pounds no problem this is a 21-gallon upright compressor.
Response
It sounds like the compressor motor is overheating.
Assuming all is mechanically correct on the compressor, then John, I would look to the run capacitor, or the motor itself failing.
Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Reset Button Keeps Tripping – Central Pneumatic Air Compressor Troubleshooting
Question
I need to replace the reset switch as the compressor reset switch keeps popping out. I have to reset the switch in order to use the compressor and I feel that this is happening too many times. I can plug it into the wall plug and it still does it.
Response
Vern, does the compressor run for a while before the reset switch pops out, or is it happening on startup?
If the reset switch keeps popping, that suggests to me that the motor is overheating and that it is not the switch that is the problem, but the motor overheating that is causing it.
It would be good if you had included the model number of your compressor, and provided some idea of whether the compressor is new or well used. If well used, you quite likely have other air compressor problems than a reset switch.
Can you provide more details as a comment here?
Question
It’s a little more than a year old. It just started popping when I hit the reset button.
I unplugged it from the receptacle and waited 30 mins. And tried it again but the same problem it won’t fill up with air since the reset keeps popping. Any advice?
Question
Response
If you have any questions regarding Central Pneumatic air compressor reset button tripping, please leave a comment below, with a photo if applicable, so that someone can help you!
I have a Central pneumatic 2.5 HP 21 Gal vertical 125 PSI Max. On Cold start it will pop the breaker on the compressor. The only way sometimes I can get it going is to cover my hand over the airfilter and it sucks pressure and the starts up. It did this the first week I had it. I thought it was a fluke. Now its happening more often. I’ll have to reset it four to six time then it will start. Any suggestions? It has its own 20 amp breaker.
I have the 21 gallon vertical central pneumatic air compressor and it has tripped the overload frequently in the past, especially if using an extension cord. Recently it will not reset at all. Any ideas why it will not reset? I do not use an extension cord.
It’s worn out. You can probably get a replacement if you look for the right thing in the right places.
Not knowing the model, is this on the motor itself, or somewhere external to the motor?
The reset button is on the backside of the motor. I believe it to be the Central Pneumatic 61454. It is the 21 gal vertical air compressor.
Hmm. Maybe a pic or three? The 61454 reset is near the piston cylinder. What I would call the front.
Anyway, can you tell if it’s actually *in* the motor, or maybe on a flange exterior to the motor?
Either way, can you see a way to remove it? If you can, send pix of whatever the button is on. With any luck it’s a simple breaker, with marking on it so you can find a replacement.
Thanks.
Ok, thanks for the tip. I will send a picture when I get time to tinker with it again.
I own a Central Pneumatic10 gal.,2 1\2hp, air compressor, that won’t start. It did at one time then suddenly stopped.
i have 8 year old central pneumatic compressed kept popping reset before getting to 90 psi setting. Now won’t start at all and reset button won’t reset to start at all
Please see this page:
… and scroll down to the pages about just this issue. Add a comment if you need more help.
I have a 21 gallon central pneumatic air compressor. I have had it for 12 or so years. After it gets to 20-30 psi the reset switch pops. It has been plugged into the same outlet for years. Even after first turning it on it runs for about 30 to 45 seconds, the reset switch pops and the head already feel very hot to the touch.
I have already replaced the run capacitor. (Added this line to this post from a subsequent post by John – Moderator)
Can you get a model or post a couple pix of the thing?
Does it sound like it’s bogging down before it stops?
Does it hold air after the breaker pops? If not, the first suspect is the check valve. You may be able to take it apart and clean it – sometimes they just get dirt clogged.