Compressor switches off at different pressures

[terratology]

Hi all, i have a clarke tiger air compressor (got cheap) but it wont switch off at the same psi. it will switch itself off at anything between 20 and 100 psi. The things driving me nuts as would like to run some air tools off it.

 

[Wedg1e]

You sure it's the pressure switch knocking it off and not the motor's thermal trip?

 

[terratology]

Dunno, how can i tell? I know when it does kick in again the lights in the shed go dim.

 

[rikrobson]

when it cuts out is there still live power going to the motor? You lights should defo not dim unless you have dodgey power to your Workshop. This begs the question hoes it all wired up?

 

[rtbcomp]

When the pressure switch cuts out you should hear an immediate hiss. If it's the motor cutout it will just stop; there may be hiss after a few seconds.

 

[NTwoO]

The pressure switch is mechanical. If it has some friction, then it could also cut out at different pressures.

 

[brightspark]

when it cuts out is there still live power going to the motor? Your lights should defo not dim unless you have dodgy power to your Workshop. This begs the question how's it all wired up?

what you will find is the starting current can be up to five times the running current which will pull the voltage down dimming the lights and your neighbours too if you live out on farms in the sticks the drop can be down to under 200 volts for a few seconds. my welder and comp used to dim the neighbours lights they asked me what was causing it i said i dont know mines afected as well

 

[Bsmith]

what you will find is the starting current can be up to five times the running current which will pull the voltage down dimming the lights and your neighbours too if you live out on farms in the sticks the drop can be down to under 200 volts for a few seconds. my welder and comp used to dim the neighbours lights they asked me what was causing it i said i dont know mines afected as well

Had exactly the same prob as Brightspark, Had to upgrade from a/c welder to inverter and fit a smaller motor on compressor, still dim the lights a little tho.

 

[brightspark]

its not a great problem as long as your motor starts without labouring and your tv screen doesnt distort due to lack of voltage

 

[Bsmith]

its not a great problem as long as your motor starts without labouring and your tv screen doesnt distort due to lack of voltage

No no, not my problem, neighbours problem, me causing it.