Today we are going to be discussing How to Adjust Pressure Switch Air Compressor. Many people prefer to use an air compressor to power their pneumatic tools at home and in the workplace. They’re versatile tools that can be used with a wide range of pneumatic tools. Because pneumatic tools have standardized fittings, you can quickly swap between them and work with them with your air compressor.

Pressure Changes Begin with an empty tank and a compressor. The compressor is then turned on and kept running until the cut-out pressure is reached. Then you slowly open a drain to let the air out. After that, keep an eye on how the pressure reduces over time, and then wait for the compressor to turn on. Finally, close the drain valve after adjusting the cut-in pressure with the large set screw.

Setting the proper pressure for your air compressor and pneumatic tools is critical and will help to extend their life and performance. In this post, you will see a step-by-step technique for changing your air compressor pressure switch, which, if followed and maintained regularly, will save you a lot of money and time in the long run.

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What Does the Compressor Switch Do?

They’re utilized to keep the pressure in a tank between a predetermined lower and upper limit. An electrical switch is activated when the tank pressure reaches its upper or lower limit.

When the pressure exceeds the higher limit, normally closed (NC) switches close the circuit. The compressor pump will be turned off as a result of this. The switch will make an electrical circuit as the pressure drops and crosses the lower limit. This turns on the compressor pump until it reaches the top limit.

A normally closed (NO) switch is the polar opposite of a normally closed (NC) switch. At the lower limit, it breaks the circuit, and at the upper limit, it closes it. Changeover contacts allow the user to select between NC and NO operation.

Cut-in and cut-out pressures are used to describe the lower and higher limits of compressor switches. Hysteresis is the difference in pressure between cut-in and cut-out.

By altering the primary spring, you can correspondingly change the cut-in and cut-out values on most switches. A second smaller adjustable spring is often used to set the hysteresis (difference between the cut-out and cut-in pressure). Using two set screws, the switch may be readily adjusted.

Why Should The Air Compressor Pressure Switch Be Adjusted?

It’s important to have the correct pressure in your air compressor to get the most out of your pneumatic tools. Air pressure that is too high can harm your tools and your compressor.

The most fundamental and important setting in your compressor is the pressure switch control. It calculates the amount of air pressure required to operate pneumatic equipment. It’s crucial to remember that less is more when setting the pressure controller!

It makes sense to adjust the pressure settings in your air compressor if your air compressor is set to 125 PSI and your pneumatic tool suggests lower pressure settings.You risk ruining your pneumatic tools if you set the pressure higher than the manufacturer’s recommendations! It makes sense to adjust the pressure to the tool’s requirements.

This will save you money in the long term by reducing the amount of energy you use. The extra benefit is, of course, that your air compressor and pneumatic equipment will last longer. In old, poorly maintained compressors, anything higher than the recommended pressure could prove dangerous!

You also need to understand that there are two types of pressure switches. One comes with a fixed differential value and the other with an adjustable pressure differential. Read the manual to find out the type of pressure switch you have.

How To Adjust Air Compressor Pressure Switch?( Step by Step Guide)

Now that you’ve grasped the fundamentals of the air compressor switch, it’s time to examine the method of adjusting your air compressor pressure switch. The procedures to modify your compressor pressure switch are outlined below.

Unplug your compressor and remove the pressure switch cover.
First, set the ‘cut in’ pressure point. The pressure screw will be closest to the motor in most circumstances. If you’re unsure, consult the handbook. Turning it clockwise causes it to activate later and under more pressure. Turning it the other way causes it to activate later and under reduced pressure.
Drain the release pressure in your compressor using the drain valve, then plug it in. Make a note of your new ‘cut in’ pressure. To avoid electric shock, unplug and empty the compressor before making any further adjustments to the pressure switch.
Set the pressure for the ‘cut out’ to be 20-30 PSI higher than the pressure for the ‘cut in. As always, unplug the compressor and adjust the pressure screw clockwise once for greater pressure or anti-clockwise once for lower pressure. It’s critical to keep the pressure difference between ‘cut in’ and ‘cut out’ at least 20 PSI.
A single screw threaded with a spring is used in a fixed differential pressure switch. Turning the screw clockwise increases ‘cut in’ and ‘cut out’ pressure at the same time. Turning it counter-clockwise reduces both ‘cut in’ and ‘cut out’ pressure.

You must be eager to put your air compressor to the test now that you know how to adjust the pressure settings.

What Precautions Should I Take Throughout the Procedure?

Please take the following precautions before doing so:

Before altering your pressure switch, always unplug your air compressor.
Protect your eyes and hands by wearing safety goggles and gloves.
Before tinkering with your compressor’s pressure switch, make sure it’s empty. You can’t precisely set the pressure when there’s water inside. Excessive stress can have disastrous repercussions!
Never allow your compressor and pneumatic tools to get harmed. It’s also possible for the compressor to fail!
In a clean, well-ventilated area, perform the process.
Finally, do not execute any procedure while under the influence of alcohol or any medicine that could impair your ability to think clearly.

What is the Best way to Modify Cut-in and Cut-out Pressure?

To begin, shut down your air compressor. Turn the main set screw on the pressure switch clockwise to raise pressure and anticlockwise to decrease pressure to adjust the cut-in pressure.

Change the cut-out pressure by using the differential pressure switch. Turn clockwise to raise the pressure and anti-clockwise to lower it. Before making any adjustments, check your manual to see the type of pressure switch you have and the suggested values.

What is the Recommended PSI For my Air Compressor?

Most air tools require 70 to 90 PSI, which can be achieved with practically any light to a medium-duty air compressor. However, to compensate for any pressure loss in the system, the compressor should always deliver more flow than required.

As a result, the cut-in and cut-out pressures on your compressor should be set at approximately 100-130 PSI. Check your handbook or contact the manufacturer to find out what pressures are advised.

What is the Distinction Between Cut-in and Cut-out Pressures?

The maximum pressure, or cut-out pressure, is the point at which no more air can be provided. The minimum pressure is the pressure at which the system is permitted to drop before the compressor motor kicks in and begins producing pressure again.

How Can You Tell If an Air Compressor’s Pressure Switch is Broken?

There are several indicators that an air compressor pressure switch is malfunctioning. Incoherent cut-in and cut-off pressures, or the compressor failing to start at all, are often the first signs. See our extensive air compressor pressure switch troubleshooting tutorial for more information on troubleshooting pressure switches.

Is it Possible to Adjust the Air Compressor’s Pressure Switch?

Yes. Typically, the pressure switch lets you change the cut-in/cut-off pressure to ensure that you have enough compressed air pressure and volume for your needs.

How Does an Air Compressor’s Pressure Switch Work?

A membrane inside the switch is deflected by air pressure. On the other side of the membrane, a mechanical spring is in action. When the membrane diverts far enough, an electrical switch is activated, which turns on or off the compressor pump. The switch point can be changed by altering the spring pre-tension.

What is the Recommended Pressure for my Air Compressor?

There is no optimal pressure because it is dependent on your equipment. Each additional bar/psi, on the other hand, comes with a significant energy cost. The goal is to reduce the pressure as much as possible while avoiding any negative consequences for the end-users. This also means that the pressure drop between the compressor and the machines must be as small as feasible.

How Do you Test an Air Compressor’s Pressure Switch?

An air supply, a calibrated Pressure guage and a multimeter can be used to test the switch. Make sure the power supply is turned off before starting the test. The switch can be replaced if it is not working properly. If it’s not working properly, follow the instructions above to modify the cut-in and cut-out pressures.

How to Adjust Pressure Switch Air Compressor?- Bottom Line

When employing a powerful compressor to drive a piece of low-power pneumatic equipment, adjusting a pressure switch comes in handy. When you run your air compressor underpowered, you can extend its life and save money on electricity.

Working with powerful devices, as usual, comes with its own set of concerns. Before attempting such a task, familiarize yourself with the handbook. Draining your air compressor regularly and keeping the proper power differential can help it last a lifetime!