Compressor blows fuse

[piman]

Hello Steve,

it is worth checking what size cable feeds your garage. Too small a cable will cause voltage drop on start (Initial current draw on an induction motor is 7 to 10 times full load for a fraction of a second as it starts) which will make the motor slow to start which increases the excess current draw time.

Alec

 

[klaatu]

Thanks, Alec, I'll check that.

I now have another problem, chaps! My air chisel keeps popping off the end of the air line while I'm using it. I'm using the (cheap) quick release connectors that came with the (cheap) tools - see attached pic. I'm not sure why it's doing it, maybe oil has got into it, or maybe it's just carp. Would I be better with some proper PCL connectors, or something else?

Steve

 

[rtbcomp]

I've always used PCL with no problems at all (except that the socket is a bit awkward to grip!)

 

[MrFluffy]

Ive used both, most of my stuff is pcl though when I threw the other standard away in frustration, but every air tool in france comes with the other sort and pcl is difficult to get here, so I run adaptors.

If the connector is popping off, either the fitting on the chisel is damaged/undersized, or the connector itself is either damaged (maybe dirt inside where the locator springs?) or made wrong. Do other tools pop off?

 

[klaatu]

Only the chisel so far, but it's the only tool I've used so far that vibrates.

 

[irondarren]

Technically the tool is wired up wrong so to speak, or connected wrong. Your should have 1 mtr of flexible hose connected to the airtool, via jubilee clip and hose connector (not quick release), then a quick release connector at the end of the 1mtr hose. This is to stop vibration and comply with EEC regulation 6 trillion and 1. But no one bothers and just has the quick release on the tool beacuse its easier. swap to the pcl type connectors much better, just a little more expensive

 

[rtbcomp]

Technically the tool is wired up wrong so to speak, or connected wrong. Your should have 1 mtr of flexible hose connected to the airtool, via jubilee clip and hose connector (not quick release), then a quick release connector at the end of the 1mtr hose. This is to stop vibration and comply with EEC regulation 6 trillion and 1. But no one bothers and just has the quick release on the tool beacuse its easier. swap to the pcl type connectors much better, just a little more expensive

I've seen these ant-vibration hoses, but I don't see the difference between a flexi-hose all the way back to the compressor and a 1m length of flexi connected to the flexi that goes back to the compressor

 

[klaatu]

Isn't the theory that the connector directly attached to the tool will vibrate, but the short length of flexible hose doesn't transmit the vibration, so the connector on the end of that doesn't vibrate?

 

[irondarren]

Basically i think that is the idea that the mtr of hose will not transmit the vibrations, down to the connector. Doesnt have to be speacial hose, just common air hose.

 

[rtbcomp]

So are we saying that reducing the mass on the handle by using a Jubilee clip at the tool reduces vibration?

 

[Robotstar5]

If clamp a lump of steel to the hose with the jubilee clip, it becomes a "mass damper"

 

[irondarren]

No, no. 1 mtr of hose is supposed to be connected directly to the air tool, then the connector at the end of that.

 

[classic2cv]

I have a 3HP Compressor and it trips circuit breaker.
in my new workspace

It has a 13 plug and was ok when I last ran it

I think that the circuit breaker may need replacing

Maybe with one that is 20 amps ?

 

[piman]

Hello Classic,

there are different classes of circuit breakers, depending on the type of load they supply. Motors take a large amount of current on start for a very short time. Breakers suited to domestic loads tend to be too quick acting.

Unless your 13 amp socket is on a single circuit (Radial) the conventional wiring of 13 A sockets is a ring (Which starts at the consumer unit and connects each socket in turn and then returns to the same connection at the consumer unit. ) and is fed from a 30A breaker.

Check withith your local electrical factor to get a more suitable type.

Alec

 

[classic2cv]

The consumer unit has a 100A main breaker that feeds to a 16a breaker for the sockets (runs the welder no problem)

i'll fit a 30A one for the compressor, that should sort it

 

[piman]

Hello Classic,

30 A is too large if the sockets are fed by a 2.5mm cable, unless of course they are on a ring circuit. If the cable is 4mm then 30A will be OK.

Alec

 

[classic2cv]

Thanks piman

i'll cheack the wires first

but i think that i will fit the bigger breaker so that it feeds a socket just for the compressor to run from as it will be fixed in one place

 

[klaatu]

My genuine PCL couplings have arrived, and they're a delight. I just love the positive way they fit together - no chance of these coming apart accidentally. The crappy old ones are in the bin.

 

[classic2cv]

fitted a bigger (32amp) breaker and the compressor runs just fine now

i'll use the 16amp one for the lighting or a ring of sockets