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How do you fix an air compressor, that when is turned ...

Sent to Car Experts May 23 2006 at 11:28 AM
   

How do you fix an air compressor, that when is turned on it trips the breaker on the fuse box?

 

Already Tried:
This is an craftsman air compressor, not an automobile part or problem. I need the compressor to work, so i can use it to work on a car/p>

Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Status:  Closed   Value: $15
Answer
May 23 2006 at 11:41 AM (12 minutes and 57 seconds later)
         
REPLIEDCheck Mark

You need to plug the compressor into a dedicated outlet, the amparage the compressor draws is more than that circuit can handle. You need to choose an oulet that does not run as many outlets. Also, if your using an extension cord, this may be the problem. You'll have to get a shorter the cord and of larger guage than the compressors. Technically the cord should not be put on an extension, the compressor air hose is lenghtened instead. If this doesn't solve it, you may have to purchase a lower capacity compressor that draws less amparage , but will also be less effective.

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
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RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2111 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
Reply
May 23 2006 at 12:57 PM (1 hour and 15 minutes and 47 seconds later)
         
Reply to RIP's Post: Ihave used the same outlet the whole life of the compressor, and it is not on an extension cord, and it has always worked fine in the past, and i undrstand that the compressor is drawing to much amperage, is there some way to isolate the problem in the compressor, this may be more electrical in nature, i would almost need to see specs for the compressor. I'm not sure what info you need to help solve this problem.
Customer (name blocked for privacy)
Answer
May 23 2006 at 1:23 PM (25 minutes and 56 seconds later)
         
ACCEPTEDCheck Mark

If the compressor has been fine on this outlet before and the problem is just begining. The current draw will have to be checked at the breaker, you might have a breaker which is tripping prematurly. This is best left to an electrician. If you plug the compressor into another outlet operated by another breaker and the compressor runs fine, the outlet it is tripping on and it's breaker will be at fault, if the compressor is tripping any given outlets breaker, the compressor is at fault and most likly the motor brushes are worn causing excessive current draw, also if the oil level is low this will cause excessive resistance to the motor, in turn tripping the breaker. From my experience it is often cheaper to replace the compressor rather than fix it, however, Sears does ofer a competitive service program fro repairs.

-Rip



Please click on "ACCEPT" if I was helpful-or if you still need assistance just reply, before leaving any feedback thanks
Picture
RIP -- Lead Technician -- 100% Positive Feedback on 2111 Car Accepts
A.S.E. Master Technician, Advanced Level, Smog - European, Domestic, & Asian -- Car Category Mentor
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