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Unfortunately, when an air compressor starts and stops too frequently, there could be a number of issues at fault. On this page, we’ll examine the common causes to figure out why, when your air compressor starts and stops too often, you can zero in on the cause and correct it.
The air compressor is supposed to start and stop periodically, of course. That process is controlled by the compressor pressure switch. If you are not sure what that is, scroll down the sitemap page to find pages of information about what the compressor pressure switch is and does.
Briefly, the compressor pressure switch trips off when the tank pressure reaches a certain pressure level, known as the cut-out pressure, and the compressor should stop. When compressed air is used and when the tank pressure reaches a certain lower pressure called the cut-in pressure setting, the pressure switch trips to on, and the air compressor should start. The range of pressure between the air compressor stopping and then starting is in the 20 – 30 PSI area. If your compressor stops at 120 PSI, for example, it would typically start around the 90 PSI tank pressure level.

Compressor starts and stops!
If your air compressor starts and stops, knowing if the compressor power supply is good is the first step. Monitor the supply or line side of the pressure switch with the voltage monitor, to ensure that the power supply to the switch is always there when the compressor is plugged in and the ON/OFF switch (if there is one) is on. A fluctuating power supply can cause the compressor to start and stop.
Is the pressure switch working?
Next, is the pressure switch actually working? If the tank pressure is below the normal cut-in pressure for your model of compressor, power should be crossing from the line side to the load/motor side of the switch. If the tank pressure is at the normal cut-out pressure or above it, power should not be passing the pressure switch.
With the tank empty of air and the power on, the compressor should be running. If it is not, use a multimeter or another type of voltage detector to determine if power has reached the motor side of the switch. If not, then it is likely that the pressure switch has failed…
A failing pressure switch can also result in power fluctuating across the terminals inside, and this could cause the compressor to start and stop cycles. If the tank pressure is between cut in and cut out, and the compressor has stopped, check to be sure power is still on the motor side of the switch. If not, once again, the pressure switch is suspect.
Power is going to motor but still the compressor starts and stops!
It is possible that the compressor motor is overheating. Most compressor motors will have a thermal cut-out via an air compressor thermal overload switch. This device will cut the power before heat-related damage can occur to the motor. Once the motor has cooled, if the power is on and the tank pressure is below cut in, the compressor will start again.
This cycle of heating and cooling of the motor is a frequent cause of a compressor starting and stopping. Simple steps that can help prevent a compressor motor overheating are::
- Ensure that the amperage of the breaker / fuse in the circuit that supplies the socket into which your compressor is plugged is rated for the HP of the motor. Google amperge for electric motors to find some guidelines.
- If you are using an extension cord or power bar to get electrical power to your compressor…. DON’T! Plug the compressor diretly into a socket that is supplied by a breaker or fuse that has sufficient amperage for the compressor motor HP. It’s always a far better option to use a longer air hose to get compressed air to the point of use, than to use a too small extension cord to move the compressor closer to the work.
- Pay attention to the duty cycle of the air compressor. Even smaller air compressors that claim a 100% duty cycle – and you might infer from that that you can run them continuously – are generally not supposed to run that long. If you are using your compressor for extended periods, and the compressor starts and stops on it’s own, try running if for 10-15 minutes and then letting it cool for that same amount of time. If you need an air compressor to run for continuous periods on a frequent basis, it may be that the tool demand exceeds the capacity of the compressor, it runs too long, and goes off on thermal cut out. This being the case, you need an air compressor with greater air delivery capacity.
There is another compressor component that could cause the compressor to start and stop, and that is that the start or run capacitor is failing.

These capacitors are normally located on the exterior of the compressor motor. Your compressor motor may have one or two capacitors, depending on whether that motor has a start, a run, or a combination capacitor.
What the capacitors do is give the motor an electrical boost when it’s starting, and ongoing power support when it’s running, if that compressor motor has a run capacitor as well. If you’ve worked through the reasons for the compressor starting and stopping with no relief as yet, it’s time to check the capacitors. There is a page on this site that explains how to do that and provides further information about compressor motor capacitors if you are interested.
We have discussed the most frequent reasons for a compressor that starts and stops with abnormal frequency when you are using it. There can be other reasons, yet typically they will be to do with the power supply, or the motor itself.
If you have worked through the advice above and your air compressor still has a starting and stopping issue, why not post a question on the ASK forum page? Please identify the make and model of compressor you are asking for help with, and let us know what you found when you followed the steps above to try and determine why your air compressor starts and stops.
my compressor Just i put silector mode auta not start but just i puch tha raily is start i remove my haind compressor is stop this problem in auta mode end maneal mode what is the problem.thenks .
Sounds like you either need a new pressure switch, or maybe just clean up the contacts on this one.
Probably, but they’d need to know what model, and the tank pressure is when it starts and stops, and if it has been working before this, with the same power source.
I have a Cambell Hausefield Iron Force 26 gallon 150max pressure it starts and stops after 1 or 2 revolutions then stops .I unplug it and plug back and does the same thing what is wrong? Help
Could be a few things. First off: Has/did it ever work in the present location?
Second, can you post a short video with audio of trying to start it?
I have a Rolair compressor. Model number 8422HK30-0001. I can’t figure out why it doesn’t stay on longer than 10 minutes or so. I have no problem starting it nor starting it back up but it doesn’t stay on. Does anyone have a suggestion?
Depending on “how” it stops, could be a slightly clogged fuel or air filter. Check your oil – sometimes there’s a low oil switch.
Hello. I have a Pro Force model vpp0200604 air compressor.motor used to run fine. changed capacitor when it would strain then stop, does the same with new cap. 3prong male doesn’t have ground prong! maybe problem?….Thanks.
Ever changed the oil?
Checked the check valve? (does it hold air for a day or so after it stops?)
The missing ground prong is a potential safety hazard, but if you run it on a GFCI outlet, not a huge one. It’s not anything to do with it slowing down; but you should replace it if/when you get it to where it’s working.
changed the plug today! ran up to120 like it should. never changed the oil. next project.
what oil is in it? leaks out of breather, maybe moisture in case?
was water in tank, drained. air holds well.
Tenant left it, and now i’ve been treating it like a step child. I only use it when i need it, then it shuts down. have to treat it better….Thanks for the reply!….gonna see what oil it takes.
Huh. Then apparently the missing ground wasn’t the only problem with that plug. Did you just replace the plug, or the whole power cord?
Common “compressor oil” as found most stores should do fine, or you might go for 30 weight full synthetic. Careful – too much oil can be worse than not enough.
My compressor stops frequently like almost 2 minutes after operating and again comes back after few minutes. It is 2.5hp, 60 litr capacity.. please help me
Having no clue what compressor you have, I can speculate you have a bad motor run capacitor.
We’ll need a make/model if that’s not it.
It is painting air compressor, 3.5 hp. 60 litr.. and the head of the compressor used to hot when it stops
Pemba, can’t you give the make and model? Then pix, please. Preferably showing the entire compressor from at least three sides, and close-ups of labels, if there are any (not including warnings).
Did you check the motor run capacitor?