Repairing a Compressor Pressure Switch
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 13 ก.ค. 2024
- In this video, I show how I replaced a defective Pressure Switch on my Air Compressor. Since a direct replacement wasn't available, I used an "upgraded" model, which required me to re-route some of the plumbing. I also replaced the motor cord which was damaged when the switch failed.
Link to Switch:
amzn.to/35CotBu
Be careful if you work on your compressor. High pressures and electricity can be dangerous, so know what you're doing before you attempt any repairs. - แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต
Fantastic video . It’s refreshing to watch someone who not only knows what they are doing but takes the time to organize their audio to correspond to the video .
Most videos of this nature are guys winging it with every other word being uh.
Great job ! 👍👍
Barry, thanks for the disclaimer warning people about potential dangers working on this type of equipment. Also thanks for the heads-up about the teflon tape. I'll get some paste before I work on my compressor!
Most repair jobs are first disassembly and inspection. Next comes the replacement of broken or worn out parts. Figuring out the BEST replacement. Then the modifications to the replacement parts and then the reassembly. Which is EXACTLY what you did. I say this as I read a few comments below from the public. You did great. Very good diction. Your wife should be proud of you. Thanks Barry. From a Florida educator.
Thank you very much for your kind and encouraging words.
Barry, You are a very, very good instructor. Not a lot of stammering and non issue like so MANY other videos. You have a gift.
You don't know me but I was an industrial Education instructor for 30 years. I was also a Voc Ed administrator. So now reread my comment.
Very helpful video- Thanks! I was able to find an OEM replacement switchfor my model at about 3 times the price of a better built alternative. After watching your video I had the confidence to trouble shoot and if it was going to be necessary, replace my switch. I had none of the damage you found. Turned out just some sticky contacts that are working well after a bit of electrical contact cleaner and some air. Thanks again- very well done.
I'm glad the video helped you! Sometimes just seeing how something goes together is enough to get the gears turning.
Thanks for the video, you pointed me straight at the issue with my Craftsman compressor, one of the blade terminals worked itself loose during my last move, and I've been searching for parts for it to no avail. Never thought about the switch going bad, but one screw later, my compressor is back up and running. Thanks!
Excellent. I'm glad to hear you're back running again!
Great video. Nice and short and very detailed. most people talk way too long. One of the best instructional vids I have seen.
Thanks a bunch! I'm really glad you enjoyed the video.
Nicely done-- your explanation is easy to follow, despite the many "notes" you attach to the narrative. The summary at the end is especially helpful, pointing out why you decided to use another switch of different design, and to replace the original wiring. The creation of a new pressure relief line was a bonus demonstration, although it might benefit from a closer shot during creation of the copper line and end-fittings. At the very beginning, it would help orient many viewers to explain what the primary pressure switch does, and common reasons for failure-- even to the point of demonstrating the component parts and how they work together.
I could not agree more,,,,A very well put together, good paced , yet very informative ...
Two thumbs way up... thanks
Very well done video!
Helpful and informative, I learned something I didn’t know before, thanks!
Well done sir. Very professionally done if I do say so myself
Nice, neat job. I too thought it had to do with repairing the switch itself. I tried to repair mine, but ended up having to "TAP" on the box occasionally for it to restart:) I also ended up inventing a "self adjusting variable shutoff pressure switch" which while unique, was not my intention. I ended up buying the cheap version. I will probably get a Square-D if this one doesn't hold up. (I am a firm believer in false economics). Great video.
Great vid. Man i had an issue with a used 5hp sandborn I picked up of Fb Market place. Bad leak was coming from diaphragm gasket under switch.. gasket not replaceable.. tried to mend.. smh. After watching your vid. I went to northern tool and purchased that Square D switch... installed work Great 👍🏽. Hats off to you man.. thx
thank you for taking the time to explain for those who need help. very good video.
Just what I was looking for, thank you
Thanks! I have the same compressor in the video. Same problem too, but not for long!
Barry I want to thank you for giving me the "confidence" to tackle my compressor problems. So I go in and there of course was like a million screws and low and behold there was a blown fuse on the main board. So I changed that out and flipped the switch. She came on like a champ. I was so happy!!! Don't know how that fuse blew. Thinking back on what may have done it. I did leave it plugged in and in the "on" position recently. So I will always unplugged it when not in use and flip it to the "off" position.
But anyway THANKS.
I'm very happy to hear that you got your compressor working. It's a great feeling!
Thanks for watching, and thanks for your comment. :)
Barry's Workshop I got a quick question since I am glad I didn't have to buy another compressor. The valve on the bottom of my tank I hear is good for releasing water in the tank or moisture. How often do I release it? What's that valve called also?
That's the drain valve and you should release the moisture regularly to protect the tank from inside rust. Some people say to do it every time you use the compressor, though I suspect that not everyone is that diligent. :)
Barry's Workshop Thanks.
I like your 3 ways distributer fittings I think fabricated by yourself. 👍
Very nice video and thanks for safety tip
Thank you for sharing this, its very helpful.
This was super fun to watch.
Outstanding! I took apart my switch from my Harbor Freight #47065 comp. Bad move on my part! Won't go back together properly. Especially the small plastic part with a groove in it, that a metal flipper tube rides in. And I had to bend the frame slightly to get a shaft to fit into detents on both sides of the frame. Four hands are needed for this job. HF no longer supports this comp. (No surprise there:). Saw a Porter-Cable at Tractor Supply I probably will get.
Very well done, thank you !
The way I got the compression fitting off my 1/4" unloader pipe was I got a 3 jaw puller and turned it into a 2 jaw puller. And I had a small piece of aluminum that I set on top of the pipe to keep from damaging it.
And I tightened down the 2 jaw puller and pulled the nut off which in turn also pulled the compression fitting off. I rented the 3 jaw puller from Autozone.
excellent video
veryhelpfull barry JD
That is the exact same switch that I use for my well pump water pressure tank. I see now where they are the same type deal. You can set the shut off by screwdriver to add a little more or less for what pressure it shuts off at (which you didn't video yourself doing).
Dude....cool shirt....I'm an old Bass player.
good job.
Thanks! This was helpful!
Excellent video.
Thank you very much!
Barry's Workshop No worries mate 📗👍
Very informative and well explained. I will be doing the same. Thanks.
Good video
I used paste sealer on my threads maybe put to much on it...I ruined my air grinder and impact wrench so I welded the fittings together...much better than Teflon tape or paste...
Thank you
Hello sir I have a vintage air compressor 30 gallons 6 horsepower and 125 PSI Max my compressor goes down to about 15PSI before she turns back on and I need more then that before she goes on to start again I didn't see anything to adjust can you please help me and thanks
hi barry I have question my compresor runs good when is empti to fill up but when I use the air cam down and the compresor try to start the swich from my home or box switch shut down and the compresor have to empty to runs again thanks
NICE SHIRT
HI, Thanks for the video! The old pressure switch you had looks to be the same design as the one on my 30 gallon upright tank Craftsman air compressor. My issue is just wanting to adjust that pressure switch down a bit. It shuts off at a bit over 140 psi. I can't locate a video on how to adjust the cutout pressure. If you can help please respond at your convenience. Thanks!
I believe there is a single adjustment screw under the cover of the switch that adjusts the cut in and out pressure at the same time. Hope that helps, I’m having problems with my switch on the very same compressor you have. Mine won’t shut off after it builds to 150 psi while in auto mode , found a new switch on eBay for 72.00 but I may try to clean the contacts myself.
I have the stand up verison of this craftsman compressor. I have a problems with it starting up and it pops the breaker in the house. Soo i think its the switch. I habe the same switch that you had gone bad. It seems this compressor times the full 15 amps from the eletric outlet. Anyway yea i could use any tips of knowledge from you if i could. It just pops the breaker and trys to start. When i took the switch apart it sparks green when you filp the switch on. Doesnt look good and then pops the breaker. Is this normal for it to spark green when you thorw pursure switch i just i want to rule out the right problem. I really like the compressor
My makita mac5200 works but it doesn't auto shutoff. Do you know how I can fix it ? Please let me know I wanna sell it after I fix it.
Great video! Have a Craftsman compressor with a very similar switch. The contacts in the switch are fried! What is the part number on the Square D switch you replaced the old switch with? It does look a lot better. Also, I never knew that about the Teflon Tape, thanks!
Youre the best
Hi, Barry, your video convince me your very knowledgeable on air compressor. I have a Campbell-Hausfeld compressor Model
WL604004AJ 125 psi 13 gals. which was given to me by my Father-In-Law. It was running fine for quite sometime. Lately, I noticed a malfunctioning, it runs then stop upon reaching the maximum pressure, but it doesn't run back once the pressure gets low. I bought a replacement pressure switch but the unloader valve does not fit with the existing that I have. Should I buy the one you showed in your video.
If the only problem with the new valve you have is getting the unloader valve to fit the existing setup, then I would personally look at ways to make it fit. In my video, I had to route the unloader tube anyway. Part of what I was trying to show was that you don't have to use the exact replacement part to make it work. You may need to bend the tube and/or get an adapter, but I would be surprised if you can't get it to connect. Good Luck!
I think I have that same compressor. My pressure switch finally broke after many years. Previously I had to replace the regulator and I used a better one because the one that came with it would fly apart without warning it was held together by plastic threads. Just a cheap piece of unsafe crap. The pieces would shoot up and hit the ceiling in my garage and it happened
You say copper pressure fittings with ferrule should not be reused, but will my Harbor Freight 40400 compressor create a problem with its unloader valve copper return line if a new line and connector is not used? I would like to bolt on the new OEM pressure switch-- an exact replacement for the original-- and reattach everything as it is.
In fact, since the original pressure lines are air-tight, need I completely remove the primary pressure switch? In other words, is it possible (in your experience) to replace only the lower half of the switch, the part that contains the rubber fitting that failed, and leave all the pressure lines in the upper half in place?
Hiya barry ,you done a good job mate , my compressor keeps blowing fuses,i chsnged the non return valve but it didn't work, hsve you got a clue what could be the problem. Thanks
Hi friend my mistake
I bought same design but it's 20amp max and 175 psi can It replace mine which is 125 psi max and 16 amp and reduce pressure by turning I think counter clock wise once it reached 125 psi looking for your help and is that part ok for me it's same except psi and amp instead of 16 it's 20
You need to match the amperage because that relates to the current that the motor pulls while running. The amperage relates to the contacts in the switch. If you under-rate the current value, the contacts will wear out sooner and could be a safety concern. Changing the max pressure setting won't change how much current the motor uses while it is running, but it will control when the motor shuts off.
It should be fine to use a lower setting for max PSI, but the trade-off will be that the compressor will cycle more often when you are using it. In my case, I went from 175 PSI to 150PSI and I cannot really notice the difference. 125 PSI is pretty low, and while it will probably work, you might wish you had something closer to the factory settings. Definitely DO NOT use a higher value than it came with.
New switch much better .
What must you know before buying a pressure switch. Gotta husky quiet series that needs one. There is no oem.
Good question. When I was looking for my replacement, I recall needing to know if the compressor has a single port or 4 port, and if it has a pressure relief valve (most do). I also looked at the amperage rating of the contacts, to make sure that the replacement can handle at least as much current as the one it is replacing. I made sure that the replacement worked with 120VAC since that's the one it was replacing. I recall that most of them could use either 240V or 120V, but it's something you need to check. Lastly, I looked at the size and orientation of the air connections to make sure I could plumb it in to the existing layout. In my case, I had to modify the plumbing arrangement, which was not a big deal, but if you're replacing one on a smaller or more portable model, that could be an issue. I hope this helps. Thanks for watching!
Do you happen to know the pressure at which the pressure switch switches on and off ? is it adjustable ? do you have a part number as well ? thanks.
Pressure switches usually have a fixed setting for max pressure (shut off) and then have a working range that determines the min pressure (turn on). From what I've seen the min value may be fixed, or in some switches the min is adjustable within some range. It's important to find one that matches what you're replacing, keeping in mind the tank and the compressor that it's connected to, current rating, number of ports, etc.
I know you asked for a specific model, but it's more important that it be a match for the specific setup you're considering. And you definitely don't want to use a pressure switch that has a higher max PSI than the one it's replacing. FWIW, mine has a fixed differential, as did the one it replaced.
@@Barrysworkshop Thanks for all the great information, my Campbell Hausfeld VT622500 is going on 24 years old and has just shown it's first sign of a problem so I can't complain, having a knowledge base like your video is much appreciated !
Hey Barry, great video! Your old pressure switch looks just like the bad one on my Craftsman air compressor. Can you tell me what Square D switch part number you used in the video? Thanks! Ken
I have a 30 gal 120v that blows a circuit when y0ou flip it on... ground is fine..... any help?
what about the cut in and cut off specs? I bought a condor one MDR11/11EA cuts in at 145psi and cuts out at 175psi. The original one had 95 on and off at 125.
You are correct to ask about the cut in and cut out values. I chose one that had comparable values to the one I was replacing, (actually a bit lower). I prefer the margin of safety of having lower pressures. The numbers you quote are higher than what it replaces, and may create dangerous pressures in your system or tank, and/or may cause other problems. You are responsible for your safety, of course. Be safe.
Barry, whats your game mate, I get really get to like a video of yours, and then you disappear,
come back, your public needs you. your good mate, plain good.
Colin UK.
Dose the pressure switch differer from 110v vs 220v on the compressor
When I was looking at compressor switches, they seemed to be capable of either 110v or 220v. They were capable of switching both sides of a 220v connection.
Would like to see how to repair the switch, not always can you buy a replacement
Yeah. The proper title would be "Replacing air compressor pressure switch". Reassembling one is waaaaay harder than replacing one.
hello barry heres my issue craftsman 33gal air compressor , I was using it no problem then when it went to refill it turned off ! Turns out it blew the house fuse , reset it compressor started very slow then blew fuse again , tried it again same thing started blew house fuse ! Is this the pressure switch ?Or something else ? Im a bit handy at least I try to be , but dont know what to look for as too diagnose issues ! Can you give me an Idea what to look for ?
If your pressure switch has an unloader valve, then you should hear a short burst of air when it shuts off. If the unloader isn't working right, then the compressor will probably fail to start up due to the startup pressure. If you hear the burst of air from the valve when it cycles off, it's probably not the problem, but it's something to check.
Mine used to trip the breaker on startup, too. I measured it with an ammeter and it was pulling very high current for a brief period of time during startup. I put it on it's own 20A circuit with a new breaker and it has been fine. If this is a new symptom, it may be due to the motor having increased friction in the bearings (or bushings) due to age. If you really have fuses and not a breaker, then you might be able to find one that is slow-blow. If it's a breaker, then it's already slow-blow, but you could try replacing it with a new one (they're cheap). Don't be tempted to increase it with a larger amperage one, for safety reasons.
I hope that helps.
@@Barrysworkshop Barry thank you for the return reply , as I awaited your reply I found a shop that answered a question over the phone . It turns out I just recently did electrical work in my garage thats not finished so power is off so I used an extension cord to connect compressor and it filled fully at first then it started to blow the curcuit breaker ! Thank you for your assistance
@@daveg3887 I'm glad you got it figured out. Thanks for following up.
@@Barrysworkshop your welcome , its all about respect ! And keep the videos coming Im glad I found yours !
Excellent video. Would you tell me the part number for the better switch you installed?
Thanks! The one that used is 'Square D by Schneider Electric 9013FHG12J52M1X'. I don't know if this will work with yours or not, but some factors to look at are
1) whether yours is four port or single port (mine is single),
2) the port size (easy enough to step up/down but I prefer fewer connections when possible),
3) voltage
4) the amperage rating of the electrical contacts, and
5) the cutoff pressure and differential. This switch is factory set at 125 psi and has a 30 psi differential. It's adjustable (some are fixed), but I left it at 125 even though my old one was 150 psi mostly because I don't need that high pressure.
Thanks for watching, and for posting your question. :)
Barry's Workshop
Northern Maine p
Hi Barry my machine pressure switch is leek what's the problem
You mentioned black to black for the wiring, does that mean both black wires are connected to « Motor » and both white to « Line »?
Where did you get the new switch from??
I bought it from Amazon.
Is there any thing i can do bfor replacing the pressure switch, motor keeps tripin 80 psi and leting air out it doesnt cut on and build up,
I see you replied lately so thought I would give you what I am experiancing with mine and hopefully help you. I have a 30gal. 6hp. Craftsman which was tripping the breaker shortly after start up. That time decreased to soon as you flipped the switch the breaker tripped. Pulled off the pressure switch cover to see one of the white wires had got so hot it was black on the end and almost no connection to it blade terminal. Replaced pressure switch with same as came with. Still tripping breakers after that. As I see that yours is tripping later at 80psi. and leaking off with no cut on. It sounds like you may have dirty contact points in your pressure switch. If you unplug the unit and pull the pressure switch cover you can inspect each set of points. They naturally build up carbon between the points over time. You can use 400 grit or equivalent folded over and slid back and forth between each set to regain good connectivity. While inspecting the contact points see if the are any pits or if the point pads themselves are wore very thin in comparison to thickness of new ones. And compare thickness to all the contacts in your pressure switch . One or more could be wore much more which could also help determine your issue. If you leave pressure switch cover off and observe when turning on you may be able to see an issue. Lots of times if points get dirty they will stick together which this may be happening to yours. And maybe your cut-in is near 80psi. so when your compressor reaches that point and your pressure switch tries to flip and make contact one set of points are dirty or sticking on with activity. One more thing is that another set of points exists which your capacitor or capacitors are connected to. I don't know if your compressor is just like Barry's or not. Mine is close. His I believe is a model 919-167200. Mine is 919-167300. So I do see that his motor appears to be the same as mine seeing his has the stationary switch with the rotating switch. There is an adjustment for those points but primarily this set of contacts used in start up. But if dirty could be a partial culprit. That is all I can give you for now and hope it helps you get you problem solved.
I replaced my pressure switch on my husky 60 gal compressor,,,,but when it reaches 135lbs it shuts down,,,,,,but then bleeds down to 90lbs WTF???
Sounds like you have a leak somewhere, or else it's plumbed incorrectly.
But if I reduce pressure and for amp I think this is if I used 175 psi it need 20 amp not 125 psi so that's will not hurt as I think not electrician but trying to understand
Were do you get that switch my compressor run but won't shut off i replaced the switch but i don't believe its the rights one
Power cord upgrade is needed on almost every AC tool these days....
My compressor starts working and builds pressure up to 150psi but sometimes during work it will not start and won't keep tank charged. Sometimes it turns on only for a few seconds then goes quiet. Sometimes I hears something that it wants to start like air going somewhere through the pipe for about 2 second and then quiets and stays like that. Fails to keep up pressure in tank when I use it. Pressure goes low as 50psi but compressor doesn't start. Then I had to open drain valve to release remaining air pressure in the tank. Disconnect it from AC power for few minutes and it starts working again build up to 150psi again. I don't hear any air leaks. What could be wrong? How to fix it?
What is the part number of the Square D pressure switch
Mine looked just that that Square D, and here is the info:
Specifications for this item
Global Trade Identification Number 00850019749861
Model Number CW214300AV
Part Number 12RC2FABY
UNSPSC Code 40150000
Voltage 120 volts
Still, you should find the part number from your switch.
Is this a 230v motor? If so use 12awg wire
The motor is 15A 115vac.
Thanks for watching!
it"s a good time to measure the compressor run capacitor when you service the cycle switch - Reason to suggest that test is higher than normal start and run currents. A derated cap will heat up the motor windings.
Run caps are used to feed a secondary winding with a precise phase shift from the main one.
I need part for my compressor
Nice shirt
Thanks. That was a result of a project that I made with my kids. We made our own stencils out of cardboard and used fabric paint on a t-shirt.
You have a badass beastly air compressor there guy. But what I don't get is, with that compressor being a monster with 33 gallons and 6 horsepower, how is it only a 150 psi Max?
I don't understand. I have a small portable compressor with 0.3 horsepower and 2 gallons and mine is 125 psi Max. I can't get my brain to understand that logically lol.
Oh, and I don't use air compressors much so I don't understand them a whole lot so stupid question here.. someone please answer, do all compressors have a pressure switch? And if one has a compressor switch, this switch will allow you to adjust the air pressure flow higher? To say if your compressor is not outputting very high PSI. Like for example, it won't go past 60 PSI.. this switch will allow it to if adjusted??
Those little switches are built shity, craftmen are worst made in China. Older models are better. Nice video and great instructions.
Thanks for the comment. The one I have was actually made by DeVilbliss. Several years ago I got a notice about a class action where they misrepresented the HP of the compressors. It affected many brands, including Craftsman, but they were all made by the same company.
As for the switch, I'm amazed that the one that came with it lasted as long as it did.
So not repairing but replacing then.
Hi, Barrie not Barry!
it was melted geesh
Sorry to seem like a wise guy, but the first thing to do is unplug it! Then double-check to make sure that you unplugged it!
I always unplug it twice, just to be sure. :)
@@Barrysworkshop That was a great video! Clear, cogent, crisp content. I have an older Campbell Hausfeld without a pressure switch. I'm investigating the possibility of retrofitting one.
Disappointed that you didn't _repair_ the switch as the title indicates, you just replaced it.
RichE
I can understand your disappointment, +Gogle Plus Sucks. A lot of what people call repair is actually parts swapping, and that is indeed what I did here.
Thanks for watching, and for your comment!
Who cares if he did not repair the fucken switch. The old switch was burnt out. He upgraded to a much more improved designed switch like he said!
Hi I need same help I have big compressor but don’t have any pressure switch on and have 7 wire coming out from the box I don’t have any clue to connect the compressor
hope yer good with an ohmmeter & some # tags..
@@Barrysworkshop Thanks for the reply, Barry. Nothing wrong with swapping/installing new parts as a repair. Title indicates repairing the switch, vs. the compressor, that's all I was referring to. Keep up the good work!
Craftsman
You should change the title to REPLACING, not REPAIRING. I thought you would show how to actually repair a broken switch.
This was not "Repairing a Compressor Pressure Switch," which I think this guy has no clue how to accomplish, but "REPLACING a Compressor Switch."
What Brand of pressure switch is that?? I have a old Craftsman 15 gal upright, it toppled over years ago and Pswitch broke the on off switch I have to unplug to turn on and off, finding a replacement has been difficult