Replacement contacts for IR air compressor

Help finding replacement contacts for IR air compressors
by: Paul

Hi Bill,

Every 2-3 years the contacts go on our IR 2-stage reciprocating upright compressor, pressure switch model 23474653-A.

It is on a 10-guage cord running about 5′ from the panel, so I don’t think there’s anything wrong with the wiring.

Also we have replaced the capacitors, most recently about 6 months ago.

My question is whether you know of any place to buy replacement contacts. I tried calling Hubbell (the manufacturer) and they won’t sell them because the switch is proprietary to IR. IR won’t sell them because they don’t have them; they only buy entire switches.

Any thoughts?

Aside from the waste and expense of replacing a perfectly good switch, replacing just the contacts would be WAY faster and easier.

Thank you,

Paul

___________________________

Pressure switch contacts burning out
by: Doug in s.d.ca.

Paul –

I doubt anyone sells the contacts as a repair item.

But please tell more about what it’s controlling. That is, the HP and voltage of the motor.

It sounds to me that your machine “deserves” a mag starter, which is essentially a low power relay that closes BIG contacts which actually turn on the motor.

I think that would be a permanent solution and eliminate the 100 dollar replacements.

____________________________

23474653-A?
by: Doug in s.d.ca.

Or is it 23474653 R you’ve been using?

_____________________________

Pressure switch burning out
by: Paul

Hi Doug,

It is a 5 HP 230 v. I just looked inside the cover of the switch and it is an A. Maybe I have been using the wrong one?

Also- sorry to be so slow in responding- we are a dairy and I have been on a tractor almost continuously for the last 4 days, making our second cut of hay.

Thanks for your help,

Paul

_________________________________

contacts keep burning out
by: Doug in s.d.ca.

Paul –

No sweat, milk and harvest first.

Not sure, really, about plain 23474653 vs – A vs R. But they seem to be for different IR 230V 5HP compressors – So I ask for your model number again.

Anyway, it may be the wrong switch, or there may be some other problem.

Are you usually nearby when the compressor starts? I’m thinking intermittent check valve or something causing hard start.

Can you measure the start and run current?

Have you checked that the start cap is being switched out when it should?

Are both contacts burning/welding, or just one?

______________________________

Contacts burning out
by: Paul

Thank you, Doug. We will have an electrician around in a couple of weeks and I will ask him to check those things out, and see what he thinks of a Mag starter. Meanwhile I hit the contacts with some emory cloth and that seems to have worked for the moment. I also bought a new one and have it on the shelf for when this one next fails….

Thank you!

Paul

______________________________

Pressure switch contacts burning out
by: Doug in s.d.ca.

You’re welcome, Paul.

Emery cloth is good stuff.

Please keep us posted on what happens next.

Thanks.

New comment? New question? Please add it here along with photos to help others help you with your compressor and equipment problem!