SECTION 4
®SULLAIR®
26
3700 Operator’s Manual and Parts List
OUTDOOR INSTALLATION (SHELTERED)
Many times a compressor must be installed outside due 
to available space or other jobsite conditions. When this 
is necessary, there are certain items that should be 
incorporated into the system to help ensure trouble-free 
operation. The unit must be purchased with a TEFC 
motor. The standard machine has NEMA4 rated 
controls, which are watertight.
The compressor should be on a concrete pad, which is 
designed to drain water away from it. If the concrete pad 
is sloped, then the compressor must be mounted so that 
it is level. The base or skid must be sealed where it 
contacts the concrete pad. 
A weatherhood option should be selected to prevent 
direct rain and snow from falling on the unit. If local 
weather conditions can be extreme such that direct rain 
or snow may fall on the unit, it should be in a fully 
enclosed room or building.
If installed under a shelter, air-cooled machines must be 
positioned in a way that prevents air recirculation (i.e., 
hot exhaust being allowed back to the system air inlet).
In installations that include more than one compressor, 
hot air exhaust should not be directed toward the fresh 
air intake of the second unit or an air dryer.
A standard machine installed outside must not be 
started or run if the ambient temperature in and around 
the compressor drops or may drop below 35°F (1.7°C).
For installation in a below freezing climate, a low 
ambient option with heat tracing and a sump heater must 
be installed.
4.3 SERVICE AIR PIPING
Review carefully the total air system before installing a 
new compressor. Items to consider for the total air 
system include liquid carryover, pipe sizing, and the use 
of an auxiliary receiver. The installation of a drip leg or 
multiple drip legs, installation of a line filter(s) and the 
installation of isolation valve or valves. These 
considerations are important to ensure a safe and 
effective system.
PIPE SIZING
Pipe should be sized at least as large as the discharge 
connection of the compressor. Piping and fittings should 
all be suitably rated for the discharge pressure.
USE OF AUXILIARY RECEIVER  / SUMP
An auxiliary receiver/sump should be used in cases 
where large demand swings are expected. This is not 
necessary with a variable speed design.
ISOLATION VALVE(S)
If isolation of the compressor from the service lines is 
required, isolation valves should be installed close to the 
discharge of the compressor. They should be installed 
with drip legs that drain sloping downward from the base 
in order to drain properly. Install a vent to the piping 
downstream of the minimum pressure check valve on 
the separator tank, and upstream of the first isolation 
valve.
When two compressors are operated in parallel, provide 
an isolation valve and a drain trap for each compressor 
before the common receiver.
A built-in after-cooler reduces the discharge air 
temperature below the dew point. For most ambient 
conditions, considerable water vapor is condensed. To 
remove the condensation, each compressor with built-in 
after-cooler is supplied with a combination condensate 
separator/trap. A drain line should be installed on the 
condensate drain. 
NOTE
Variable speed drive compressors are 
NEMA 12 rated and must not be installed 
outside or exposed to the elements.
SU_0000041
NOTE
Discharged air contains a very small 
amount of compressor lubricating oil, and 
care should be taken to ensure that this 
oil would not interfere with downstream 
equipment. An air dryer can remove any 
liquid carryover.
SU_0000030