2.4 Understanding the Built-In Protection Devices
This compressor has been equipped with both THERMAL and OVER
PRESSURE protection devices in the interests of personal safety and to
protect the unit from unnecessary internal damage.
NOTE: Never disable or modify any of the compressor’s built-in
protection devices.
2.4.1 Thermal Cutout Switch
Heat is generated by the air compression process. This heat generation is
increased accordingly by increasing the compressed air flow rate or
increasing the pressure level of the air flow.
The large DC electric motor inside the compressor is also a source of heat
which increases with the amount of work being done by it.
The compressor has been designed to naturally disperse this heat into the
air around it, however, the ambient temperature will affect how fast this heat
can be dispersed. If excessive levels of heat are allowed to build up inside
the compressor the unit may be at risk of internal damage. For this reason,
an internal electric switch has been designed into the back of the motor
which will turn the compressor off if the temperature approaches a
dangerous level, and will automatically reset and turn the compressor back
on once the unit has cooled down to a safe temperature. This off time may
last anywhere from just a few minutes up to half an hour depending on
conditions around the compressor.
2.4.2 Over Pressure Safety Valve
This compressor is equipped with a pressure operated electric switch which
has been factory set to turn off the compressor at a safe level of pressure,
and then turn it back on again once the pressure has been exhausted down
to a lower level. Should this switch fail for any reason the compressor may
generate pressure well beyond its safe shut off limit.
A compressor which has reached its safe pressure maximum that has been
left in direct sun or inside a hot vehicle may build up additional pressure
past the safe working level.
Connecting your compressor up to any air system which might already
contain a residual pressure that is higher than the compressor’s safe
pressure limit may raise the internal pressure of the compressor past the
safe pressure limit.
This compressor is equipped with a mechanical over pressure safety valve
which has been factory set to bleed off to atmosphere any excessive
pressure buildup (i.e., from any of the situations above) before it can pose
any personal danger or cause damage to compressor components.
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