Have you tried everything to turn the compressor off, but aren’t responding? A potentially hazardous situation can develop when an air compressor simply won’t turn off by itself. An air compressor is one of the most frequently used machines, that is a part of every household, store, factories and home garages.
Air compressors have seen a massive increase in their demand because of its working and functioning which make every task easy and a matter of seconds. But with that, they also face issues from time to time if not well maintained or some other way, they get into unexpected complications too.
The compressor that is not turning off, while having an automatic shut-off feature is a call to big damage. You not only face the risk of causing damage to your compressor, but you also run the risk of endangering not only your own life but also the lives of those who are nearby.
To better know and avoid, we have collected these measures to put up in one place for you.
Why won’t my air compressor turn off – General guide
Air compressors being the handy equipment, is widely used to inflate tiers, for painting sprayers etc. With all the respective problems that we will discuss in the following section, one of the problems can be off the pressure switches. In the pressure switches, there are basically two categories with whatever size compressor you are using.
One is at the point where the compressor turns on and the other where it turns off. To make it simpler, there is distance between the two pressure units and if your compressor is not shutting off, there might be an issue with the cut-out pressure of the compressor.
Reasons why won’t your air compressor turns off
1. Concerns Regarding the Function of the Pressure Relief Valve:
To ensure that the air compressor tank has an appropriate amount of pressure, we use a pressure relief valve and is also known as the safety backup. When the pressure of the tank rises, the PVR is set at the level to release the excess pressure if there is any. The procedure takes place in a condition when the cut-out pressure is unable to shut off the compressor.
Also, when the tank pressure reaches its maximum level and stops generating more pressure, as it has reached its maximum capacity. It becomes the main reason because the pressure that turns off the compressor never reaches its maximum. At its max. stage, it will be unable to turn off the equipment.
2. Filter for the Intake Air is Dirty:
The most common issue that restricts the air flow in your air compressor can be the dirt and debris accumulated in your valves and pipes. For that you need to thoroughly examine the intake inlets, after some days regularly to prevent it from any such consequence.
Moreover, by that means there is also a huge air filter located outside that needs to be removed and cleaned. In another approach, check if your filter is placed at some distance and is unable to filter out the dust and debris that is generated by the air compressor.
3. The pump is not functioning properly:
Between the working, it might be the reason that your pump stops working and you are unaware of it because overall it is generating power by other resources. To check this, you need to place your palm on the pump to feel the vibrations.
If you see or sense any issue in the pump of the compressor, your next approach should be the belt or flywheel of the compressor. If the belt and flywheels loosen, it can also be the root cause of the compressor not shutting off.
4. The Tank Pressure Has Not Reached the Limit:
When an air compressor will not turn off, one of the problems that can occur is that the tank pressure does not reach the cut out setting to allow the pressure switch to trip to the off position.
This is what normally causes the pressure switch to cut power to the compressor motor, which in turn causes the air compressor to turn off.
For that, you need to ensure that the pressure tank is operating completely fine and is under control. As mentioned above the level of the pressure should not exceed too. Also, to examine its working you need to do a small inspection, by taking out the air filter and making sure you can still feel the suction.
5. The piston is starting to show signs of wear:
The piston of the compressor is not as prone to damage as other components of the air compressor. The piston is mainly responsible for the production of pressure.
By damage means that the production of walls and holes take place in the piston, which affects the working of the motor and causes the compressor to work at the same pace throughout which can lead to explosion of the compressor.
6. There is a leakage in the components:
There is most likely a leak when the drain valve isn’t open but the unit still won’t develop pressure. Other than the usual leaking, there must be a leakage when the seal of the device is broken and in result lets the air come in.
In this case, if you detect a leak similar to this one, you should contact the manufacturer of your compressor and request a rebuild kit.
Conclusion:
Air compressors are the main source for refrigerants, cooling and heating systems and everyday life by forcing extra air into the storage tank by increasing the pressure. I hope now you have a detailed understanding about the functioning of the air compressor and why the air compressor doesn’t shut off, when you are trying to do it by all means.
If you still fail to locate the issue, it is advised that you must call the helpline or your manufacturers to help you out in this uncertain and emergency condition.
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