Table of Contents
Introduction
Installing an air compressor after purchase requires proper care and guidance. There’s a lot of preparatory work to be done and considerations to make. You have to think about the location, safety, how to place it, and other factors. Installing your air compressor needs to be done carefully and correctly; if not, you may have some unnecessary difficulties that can be avoided. You may experience leaks, power surges, and maybe even completely damage the tool. Air compressors need to be handled correctly because of its versatility. When installing an air compressor, you need to put some factors into consideration; some of these factors have been provided in this article.
Before getting on with the guide, see
Air Compressor Maintenance Guide
A Short Guide To Air Compressor Installation
Below is a list of some points to consider when installing your air compressor
Location
Choosing the best location for your air compressor is one of the most important factors during this process. It has to be installed in a clean and dry environment with enough air to allow the compressor function properly. It is dangerous to keep your air compressor in a cold, damp, and poorly ventilated room. This is because your air compressor won’t function properly, which would ruin your project and possibly damage the air compressor. If you have a pancake air compressor, get a clean wide-spaced storage area to keep your air compressor when you are not using it.
Temperature
An air compressor is prone to overheat; this is why temperature is very important when installing your air compressor. It is essential that the temperatures are not extreme, find somewhere cool but not too cool. If the temperature is too high, it would dry up the oil and cause overheating. If it is too low, it will stop the oil or lubricant from flowing to where it’s needed, which will damage the engine. The ideal temperature for an air compressor ranges between 10 t0 30 degrees Celcius.
Placing it
If you have a belt-driven air compressor, it is best to install it with its belt facing the all, not an open space. Leave a space of 30cm between the air compressor and the wall for optimum performance. If you buy a portable air compressor, all you need do is to lock the wheels after placing it where you want it to be. This is to keep the air compressor in place when the motor is on to prevent accidental damages or injury. Use the brakes of your air compressor if it has one; if it doesn’t, use blocks to keep the wheels steady.
Power Compliance
Before connecting your air compressor to any socket, check if the voltage of the compressor is compliant with your main sockets. This has to be done diligently to avoid power surges and blown circuits. Make sure there is enough power supply to keep your air compressor running. Use the power switch to switch off the electrical unit when it is not in use. If you notice any sparks or burns, turn off and unplug the air compressor as soon as possible.
Ventilation
Air compressors work by sucking air from the surrounding environment into the tank before expelling it through the hose to power a pneumatic tool, pump tires, or other projects. It is necessary to install your air compressor in a well-aerated place. Clean air is also essential; make sure the surrounding environment has little dust so the compressor can function properly.
Attaching the air hose
Make sure to get a hose that is 1 or 2 meters longer than you require. This is so that you can move around freely when working with your tool. Getting a slack air compressor reduces the risk of damaging the hose, tool, or the compressor itself. You should buy a slack hose to save you from the stress of repairing your air compressor every time. You can fix a valve in the tank outlet before fixing the hose to prevent leaks.
Adjusting the settings
There are certain features in the air compressor that need to be adjusted for it to function properly. You should adjust these features like the pressure and CFM to the correct settings. If the pressure is too high for the project or the object it’s being used with, you may ruin your work and damage both the air compressor and object. If you are using your compressor with a pneumatic tool, check the body of the tool for the PSI and CFM rating compatible with it, and then adjust your air compressor to match the number. You can set your air compressor at 30 PSI, which is the recommended level to complete most projects effectively. Be very careful when using the air compressor, wear the necessary safety equipment, and stay away from the compressed air because it can damage your skin if it touches it.
See,
How to Adjust Cut-out Pressure on Air Compressor?
How to Adjust Air Compressor Pressure Regulator?
How to Increase CFM on Air Compressor?
Engine Check
After installing the air compressor, the next thing to do is check the air compressor’s engine before turning it on. Check your user’s manual for instructions on the recommended oil level and other parts that need to be checked before use. Maintaining the recommended oil level for your air compressor prevents damage, increases its performance, and elongates its lifespan.
Before using the air compressor, you have to be well organized and prepared. Keep all the necessary tool kits and equipment close to you to make your work easier. You can safely use your air compressor after completing all the required steps above. Read the user’s manual for more instructions on maintenance and follow the necessary safety precaution. Check Air Compressor Safety Tips for more.
Conclusion
An air compressor is a good investment; with proper maintenance, you can use the tool for years. Purchasing a good air compressor is one thing but installing it is where the work is. Follow the simple guideline in this article for easy installation. Perform regular maintenance checks on your air compressor to elongate its lifespan.