Got a problem!!

[overload]

Hi everyone, This is my first post so please bear with me!

I have a Nu-Air 150ltr compressor which I had for a number of years and It has now given me its first problem!

The fuse keeps blowing in the plug socket every time I go to switch it on at the mains. The compressor motor makes a very short rotation before the fuse is gone. I have taken the belt cover off to check if the motor or the pump has seized but i'm pleased to say that both can still be rotated by hand so no seizure!
I have also included some photos to give an idea of what sort of compressoe it is!

Any idea's and suggestions?!

Regards, Nick

 

[malcolm]

Do you tend to switch it on at the mains rather than using the knob on the compressor? The knob depressurises the output and acts as a soft start for the motor. Ought to reduce the starting load enough to see if there are other problems.

Also have you switched it on over the winter? Cold makes a big difference to the current these things draw on start up.

 

[peterd51]

Hi,

if it's easy to remove the belt I'd try the motor with no load to see if it still pops the fuse.

Regards
Peter

 

[ian of fev]

just out of intrest what size motor is it 3hp?

 

[jaykay]

same prob here. i warm it up on the bottom,where the oil sits.then it goes.
it's just the cold weather.

 

[overload]

Do you tend to switch it on at the mains rather than using the knob on the compressor? The knob depressurises the output and acts as a soft start for the motor. Ought to reduce the starting load enough to see if there are other problems.

Also have you switched it on over the winter? Cold makes a big difference to the current these things draw on start up.

Yeah I tend to start it at the mains due to having to move it around alot for space reasons.
It has been started over the winter which was when I first started having this problem so I will try again properly now the sun is out!

 

[overload]

just out of intrest what size motor is it 3hp?

Yes it is!

 

[Wozzaaah]

A 3HP compressor most definitely won't be happy on a 13A fuse, ideally it would be run from a dedicated 16A or maybe even 32A supply.
Mine is fed via a 16A type C mcb which handles the startup current draw just fine.

 

[Chipper]

^^ what he said. Mine has to be on 32A to cope with the start-up spike. Spec sheet should say what it needs.

 

[rtbcomp]

My Clarke 3hp recommends a 30 amp fuse. It runs quite happily, along with a dust extractor and some sundries, on a 30 amp min-MCB. I use a 16A blue plug to connect it up.