What's new
By:
Car Wash Forum

This is a sample guest message. Register a free account today to become a member! Once signed in, you'll be able to participate on this site by adding your own topics and posts, as well as connect with other members through your own private inbox!

Air compressor keeps tripping limit switch

S

slash007

Well-known member
Yesterday we had a power outage in the area that lasted about 3 hours. After the outage, I had to push the reset button on my compressor in order to get it going again. This wasn't a big deal as I've had to do that before after an outage. What is unusual though is that now I have had to reset it it 4 times since this morning. I have never had this issue before and was wondering what possible caused I could look for? I am not sure what brand compressor it it, but it is a large one that powers my whole wash including my Ryko Foam Brite which keeps going down when the compressor stops working. Any tips or suggestions are appreciated.

Thanks.
 
You need to watch the compressor and determine exactly when it is tripping the CB. 1. After it shuts off there should be a air bleed off of the pistons so that when it starts it is not starting against a pressure load. If the bleed off is not working the compressor probably won't start under pressure and will trip the CB. You also need to see that it is shutting off when it reaches the High pressure limit. Some times the Breakers themselves will get weak after a few years and need to be replaced.
 
If it's three phase check your starter or contactor and make sure one of the points aren't messed up. That can cause it to single phase and trip the switch.
 
Almaprowash said:
If it's three phase check your starter or contactor and make sure one of the points aren't messed up. That can cause it to single phase and trip the switch.
Click to expand...

I agree that I would look here first. Since it happened after an outage, the chance that it could have lost a phase momentarily is a real possibility.
 
If there was a little more information maybe you’d get a good answer. I’m guessing that it’s a single phase 5 hp motor. If it is, the power surge probably damaged the start capacitor or the start switch. We’d replace the motor, take the motor from the compressor to an electric motor and have it tested.
 
Thanks for all of the replies. I drained the water really good this morning and restarted it, and so far it has been running without tripping for about 5 hours. I'll keep an eye on it and if it trips again I'll investigate further. I have to leave town tonight, so fingers crossed that it will keep working.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top