Your air compressor is an important piece of machinery, so it only makes sense that you want it to run properly. But issues are bound to pop up eventually, and when they do it’s important that you know exactly what they mean and how to handle them.

Are you ready to learn a few of the most common issues with these machines and how to troubleshoot them? Keep reading to find out exactly what you need to do.

Not Turning On

If you find your compressor just isn’t turning on, it’s likely an issue with the power or wiring. You should make a point to check that all outlets have power, remove any extension cords you might be using, and check your circuit. Any of these issues could result in a lack of amperage to your machinery, which is a simple fix. If those simple fixes don’t solve the problem, then there might be a larger issue with your wiring or power source.

Always Tripping Breakers

Air compressors generally require a fair amount of power, and when yours is consistently tripping breakers, it can result in major issues. But fear not, there’s a simple way to troubleshoot this. First, make sure there aren’t any other devices on the circuit. Next, check to see if the breaker is rated above the compressor requirements. If these two issues are resolved and you’re still having issues, you might want to take a closer look.

Consistently Losing Air

An air compressor absolutely should not be losing air. If this is happening to you, first ensure that there aren’t any leaks in the air compressor tubing. Once you’ve ensured all of the air fittings are secured and not leaking, then it should be safe to run your machine again. But it might be a good idea to do a second check up and check the valves and compressed air fittings one more time for peace of mind.

Overheating

A machine running too hot is never a good thing. Before you try to run it again, make sure you’re doing so in a cool, well-ventilated space. Almost 80 to 90% of the electrical energy used by an air compressor is converted to heat, which means heat ventilation is key. In addition, you should make sure you’re not exceeding the duty cycle of your equipment, as this could lead to overheating and other issues.

These are just a few of many small issues that are common in air compressors. Don’t let these little things keep you from doing your work!