Air compressor - pressure relief valve question.

[Rat Rod Mac]

The pressure relief valve on my compressor starts jumping and leaking at around 75 pounds. I think it's time for a new one. I've looked it over and can not see any markings as to what pressure it trips at. I have the pressure switch set to shut off at 90 pounds, so with that being said what pressure should I go with on the new one? 110, 125 etc.? Thanks. RRM

 

[MF243RedTop]

That's sounds about right, my compressor shuts off at 120 and the tanks max is 150.. with a 150 relief valve.
Just make sure to check your tanks max pressure. It should be stamped on the tank.

 

[Rat Rod Mac]

Thanks MF243RedTop. Never thought to look for a pressure limit on the tank. Will do. RRM

 

[5030]

I actually have 3 compressors, 2 reciprocating and one screw compressor that I can run together or one at a time depending on my air usage but I keep all of the set to 135 psi (all rated at 175) because at 135, compressor life is doubled, less heat is generated so less condensation in the receivers and it's my experience that, so long as you have the CFM available, 135 will run about anything just fine. In fact 135 runs my 1" square drive impact wrench fine. I just make sure the supply hose is the large diameter one, not a tiny 1/4" id hose.

The whole shop is plumbed in 1" and 1.5" black iron pipe with 3/4" drops to the ball valves.

 

[oosik]

I have my compressor set around 80 psi. No air tools. So this more than covers any air guns or tire inflation requirements.

 

[5030]

The lower the pressure the longer they last and the less juice they consume too.

 

[Frankenkubota]

I just replaced mine on a dewalt. i just bought the speced switch but i didn't pay attention to the part number.

i ended up with the correct switch but with a different mounting footprint which required me to disassemble the new switch and reuse the mount from the old.

15 minute job turned into a couple hours. As always, the devils in the details. I replaced the pressure adjustment valve also.