Just fixed my compressor. It would start ok when the tank was empty but trip the breaker if it tried to start with pressure. Searched and read about weak caps, or problem with check valve or pressure switch leaving pressure in the pump head, etc. Turned out that the black plastic box which holds the 2 start up caps and is attached to the end of the motor with 2 screws had cracked on the bottom. The black box had tilted out enough that the start up caps switch was not engaging. Pushed on the lower part of the box and it started perfectly. Fixed it for the cost of some 2 part epoxy. Maybe not your fail, but definitely worth checking out first.
Besides the 15 amp circuit breaker limitation, you also have to be careful if you put an extension cord on it. If it is not pretty hefty (12 gage wire or bigger), it can cause a voltage drop that will starve the motor and it will stall.
The reason motors trip breakers is because they are trying to pull too much power to work or have a short in them. Some possible causes:
- tank check valve is stuck open. This valve holds air in the tank and allows the bleed off valve to let all the pressure out of the pump after the motor shuts off so the motor can restart when the pressure drops.
- piston not moving freely in cylinder or bearing where connecting rod attaches to motor is damaged.
- motor bearings are shot or windings are burnt/shorting out.
SOURCE: i have a electric air compressor craftsman 3.5hp
The pressure switch controls the cut-in and cut-out points for the motor. Some switches have a differential adjustment besides the pressure adjustment. The differential controls the spread between cut-in & cut-out, (say in at 80 PSI, out at100 PSI)
Try looking for these if you didn't get a manual.
Good luck
SOURCE: Air compressor that trips my circuit breaker
Most garage curcuits are 15 amp GFI plugs and they won't run most compressors. Drain all of the air out of the tank and see if it runs. If so then you are going to have to add a 20 amp plug for your pump.
SOURCE: I have a Craftsman 25 Gal Air compressor that is
Try plugging something of similar amperage into same outlet, see what happens. If breaker trips, check wires in outlet box.
If not, start checking wiring in compressor, from plug back - ALL of wiring,
And scrutinize connections! Good luck! Joe.
SOURCE: craftsman 30 gal compresser trips circuit breaker
That number does not come up on Sears parts direct, how ever a start capacitor you can have tested at any motor repair shop and likely get one to replace it from them as well,,,and can almost guarantee it will be cheaper than from sears anyway.
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