If you use an air compressor and notice it won’t stop tripping breakers or blowing your fuses, you’re not the only one. Tripping breakers are one of the most general electrical head pains for compressor owners and DIYers alike. The welcoming news? It’s usually repairable with a couple of targeted checks.
Air Compressor Tripping Breaker
The following are some of the reasons your air compressor keeps tripping breakers.
1. Overloaded Circuit
An air compressor draws a lot of power when they start. If the circuit you are using doesn’t have adequate capacity (or is shared with other air devices), it can effortlessly overload and trip the breaker. Plugging into a dedicated circuit that is rated for your compressor’s amperage draw, could stop this tripping the breaker.
2. Failing Motor or Start Capacitor
When the motor or start capacitor is beginning to fail, your compressor could draw more amps than it should, resulting in breaker trips. Look for indications such as a humming sound, slow starts, or failure to spin up correctly.
3. Undersized Extension Cords
Long or thinner extension cords are going to increase resistance, making your compressor work harder to get power. Never use a heavy-duty cord that is not rated for your compressor’s requirements or avoid using extension cords entirely when you can.
4. Clogged Air Filters
Dirty or clogged air filters are going to make the compressor work harder, increasing load on the motor and the compressors electrical system. Examine and replace your filters periodically to avoid unneeded strain.
5. Mechanical Binding or Seized Pump
Internal mechanical problems, such as a seized pump or a binding piston, can cause excessive amperage draw, resulting in a tripped breaker. If you think this might be the issue, stop running the compressor and examine it prior to using it further.
Quick Air Compressor Tripping Breaker Recap
- Use a dedicated, appropriately rated circuit
- Examine the motor and start capacitor
- Avoid using extension cords that are undersized
- Examine and replace clogged air filters
- Address any mechanical problems sooner than later
By checking these typical causes, you can usually solve breaker-tripping problems yourself and keep your work advancing without being interrupted.
Willing Service Corporation Offers A Full Range Of Air Compressors For Sale Nationwide!
Willing Service is proud to sell air compressors nationwide. You can choose the brand, model, and size you need for your purposes and we will ship it straight to your shop or business. Shop industrial air compressors online and get it touch with us today by giving us a call at (602) 246-6940.
