Learning how to properly adjust air compressor pressure switch is definitely a wise thing which will help you to save a lot of money as well as time. And the good news is that it’s easy to learn to do this job on your own! Regarding air compressors (no matter their size), the first thing that you must know is the fact that their most important and basic setting is the pressure setting.
Whenever you are willing to find out what the right value for your air compressor is, go for as low pressure as possible. Never set high pressure if you’re in need of only low pressure.
In case that you’re the lucky owner of a large air compressor, in terms of air compressor pressure switch, you can save thousands of dollars in energy costs, if you lower the pressure set point. In the case of smaller air compressor models, the savings are not that significant; but if you can save at least few tens of dollars, why wouldn’t you do it?
There are two set points for each air compressor out there: the cut-out and the cut-in set point. When the air compressor reaches the cut-out pressure, it stops, and when it reaches the cut-in pressure, it will start again – this difference is essential to know, before learning to switch pressure.
How to Adjust Air Compressor Pressure Switch Properly?
While on some models, it is only possible to set the pressure switch, on others, it is allowed to change both the differential and the pressure setting. The first step to do, when it comes to air compressor pressure switch, is to set the cut-in pressure. To do this, you need to start the air compressor and let it operate while it reaches the cut-out pressure.
Note: Always use the best car tire air compressors for your garage to get a long service life.
Let a drain open where the air can escape. The pressure should only come down slowly. When the compressor reaches the cut-in pressure, it will stop and you’ll note down the value that you see on it. The big set screw will help you to adjust the cut-in pressure and for increasing it, turn clockwise. After you closed the drain, the compressor will run until it reaches the cut-out pressure.
Secondly, for proper air compressor pressure switch, you will have to repeat the whole cycle described in the above paragraph, until you reach the right cut-in pressure. Open a drain valve where you will let the air escape and then wait until your air compressor starts.
Note down somewhere the cut-in pressure when your compressor starts. After a few repeats, you should have the cut-in pressure adjusted properly. For setting the cut-out pressure, the procedure is basically similar to the adjustment procedure for the cut-in pressure.
When the compressor stops, note down the pressure. Then you will adjust the differential and if you want to increase it turn clockwise (or turn count-clockwise for lowering it). By opening the drain valve, you will let the pressure drop low enough so that the compressor can start. Then close the drain valve, wait for the compressor to stop and monitor the cut-out pressure. Repeat the procedure.
Final Thoughts
For the best air compressor pressure switch adjustment experience, first set the cut-in pressure and only after that the cut-out pressure. If you’ve followed and performed the above-described steps, it means that you reached to successfully set the optimal pressure of your air compressor.
However, this procedure could not be applicable to all types and brands of air compressors, because these features may vary from product to product. Before practicing pressure adjustment, read the manual of your air compressor. Theoretically, this is everything that you have to know about the entire pressure switch adjustment procedure for your air compressor.
