Compressor issue

[dcarman]

I picked up a couple of compressors, one is electric the other gas. The electric starts up fine from my temporary power source a hundred feet away with a 100 ft 15 amp extension cord but as soon as it needs to automatically re start itself cause the air pressure drops it will not start, it just sits there making an unhappy noise until it blows a fuse or damages the outlet it’s plugged into.
What might be the problem?
It operates fine when plugged directly into the same outlet.

When it is empty the startup current draw is low enough to get through your little cord. When the pressure is higher at restart the current draw is a lot more causing your issue. Not only are you using to light a cord, it is way to long for this application. The solution is more power at the compressor - in other words a shorter and/or heavier cord.

 

[Gord Baker]

Most air compressor tanks that fail just start leaking nothing "explosive" or dramatic.

Most perhaps but not All. Check Google and You Tube for exploding tanks.

 

[bgr]

Your problem is the too long extension cord. Not check valves or anything else. Buy a long air hose and keep the compressor by the power source to avoid the voltage drop. A long air hose is much cheaper than a 100 foot 12 gauge extension cord

 

[Dpm708]

Most perhaps but not All. Check Google and You Tube for exploding tanks.

I picked up a couple of compressors, one is electric the other gas. The electric starts up fine from my temporary power source a hundred feet away with a 100 ft 15 amp extension cord but as soon as it needs to automatically re start itself cause the air pressure drops it will not start, it just sits there making an unhappy noise until it blows a fuse or damages the outlet it’s plugged into.
What might be the problem?
It operates fine when plugged directly into the same outlet.

Heavier extension cord gauge good idea. However how about this for my 2 cents. Plug compressor in power at source. Get 100 ft 3/8 ID air hose. Get small air only tank. (Auto supply etc.) or heavy duty (like Hatachi) booster storage tank. Run 3/8 hose to secondary tank. Add manifold or tee to tank with some quick connects. Use short 25 ft. +- 1/4 inch air hose connected to your workpiece.(s) Depending on your CFM usage the compressor should maintain psi in both tanks. For what you would spend for 100 ft #10 HD outdoor extension cord. Of course I would still go over your compressor for any issues that can be corrected if possible. Just another thought. Good luck.

 

[Bentrim]

1 As already mentions you need a bigger cord for 100' or a bigger shorter cord and longer hose. There is too much voltage drop in an extension cord and you will burn up the motor if you continue to use with a too small cord.
2 You indicate air is leaking out the compressor inlet, this indicates your chack valve is bad, Note the "fitting" where the compressor output line goes into the tank, the one with the small line that goes to the pressure switch. That is your check valve. It is supposed to close when the compressor stops and any trapped air between the compressor and tank is supposed to be released at the switch. Oh yes be sure that is working too.
When the switch shuts off you should hear a psssst of air escaping at the end of the small tube at the switch. The purpose of this is to give the compressor a "clean" easy start and reduce the load on the motor.
So you may have two problems 1 check valve bad 2 the switch release bad and not releaseing pressure between the compressor and tank

 

[boatmoter]

I picked up a couple of compressors, one is electric the other gas. The electric starts up fine from my temporary power source a hundred feet away with a 100 ft 15 amp extension cord but as soon as it needs to automatically re start itself cause the air pressure drops it will not start, it just sits there making an unhappy noise until it blows a fuse or damages the outlet it’s plugged into.
What might be the problem?
It operates fine when plugged directly into the same outlet.

your power cord amps is under rated for what you need. 100 ft and only 15 amp. I would only use that to run a drill or a light ot weedwacker. your losing the amps to power your compressor because of the length of the cord. at 15 amp I would not use any longer then 25 ft at 15 amp. you will burn your motor up on the compressor with the long cord

 

[I Piddle]

I picked up a couple of compressors, one is electric the other gas. The electric starts up fine from my temporary power source a hundred feet away with a 100 ft 15 amp extension cord but as soon as it needs to automatically re start itself cause the air pressure drops it will not start, it just sits there making an unhappy noise until it blows a fuse or damages the outlet it’s plugged into.
What might be the problem?
It operates fine when plugged directly into the same outlet.

 

[1930]

Thanks to everyone here, the unloader valve was frozen open, I unstuck it and it operates flawlessly now.
I will get a new valve cause I noticed that it could potentially get cocked a little sideways and get stuck again.
I will not run the compressor any longer without an 8 gauge power cord because I do not want to damage the motor.
I really appreciate everyone’s input

 

[kayco53]

Think I would plug it in without the long cord and see if it works. if it does like in my case I put the compressor by the plug and ran a long airline to get around voltage drop.

 

[Gord Baker]

Your problem is the too long extension cord. Not check valves or anything else. Buy a long air hose and keep the compressor by the power source to avoid the voltage drop. A long air hose is much cheaper than a 100 foot 12 gauge extension cord

Right. My air 'Pig' has destruction date (20 years after mfg.) stamped on one leg.