Adjusting Your Air Compressor Pressure Switch – Complete Guide

Wondering if you could learn how to adjust the air compressor pressure switch and save the crazy money which you otherwise have to spend on that? Well, you are lucky! You have landed at the right place. Pressure switches are tricky and you should perfectly set them to avoid any inconvenience. This makes the air compressor unit work smoothly while ensuring your protection. This guide includes the right pressure you require for the air compressor and then teaches how you can set it all by yourself. Dive in!

The Right Pressure

Whether we talk about the industrial-scale air compressor or a home-based one, setting the pressure switch properly plays a prime role and it should not be ignored. The right pressure is always the lowest possible for a certain application. While choosing for setting the cut-in pressure, choose the lowest possible.

The setting of the Pressure Switch

While setting up the pressure switch, you can either only change the pressure setting while keeping the differential at the fixed value or change both. This depends on the model and the company.

In order to identify whether you have a fixed differential type or not, you just have to look for set screws. If the compressor contains two set screws with the second one smaller, then this will be an adjustable differential type. The fixed one contains a single set screw. If you own an air compressor that includes the fixed differential settings, the pressure level will be in the range of 0.8 bar to about 1 bar.

Pressure switch setting might seem like an uncomplicated task to you. All you think is to specify the cut-in as well as cut-out pressure and that is it. Well, there is more to it especially if you lose track. To save you frustration, we are here to assist you in a much simpler and more straightforward way.

To set the cut-in pressure, you have to use the larger set screw. The smaller set screw on the other hand is responsible for setting in the maximum pressure level. The cut-in pressure setup determines the cut-out pressure. Therefore, you have to be very careful. Let us proceed to how you will set up cut-in and cut-out pressure.

Cut-in Pressure Settings

First and foremost, you are required to set in the cut-in pressure. After which you can set the differential which will determine the cut-out pressure.

• Empty the tank.
• You have to give power to the compressor until it reaches the maximum pressure level.
• The pressure at which the compressor starts functioning will be cut-in pressure. You are required to note down this value.
• Rotate the set screw clockwise to increase and anti-clockwise to decrease the pressure. Set at the desired value.
• Next, the drain valve is to be closed. Now note the maximum pressure, cut out the pressure of the compressor.
• Continue repeating the above steps until you have achieved the appropriate cut-in pressure.

Cut-out Pressure Settings

• Recall the pressure your machine reached the maximum last time while setting in the cut-in pressure.
• Now rotate the smaller set screw which refers to differential pressure to adjust the cut-out pressure. This will increase when turned clockwise and decrease when turned anti-clockwise.
• Now, you have to make the drain valve open.
• Note the pressure at which the air compressor starts working. The drain valve is to be closed now.
• Continue repeating until the right cut-out pressure is achieved.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is cut in and cut out pressure?

Cut in and cut out pressure refers to the starting pressure of the air compressor in psi and the pressure at which the air compressor stops respectively. These help determine the limits and aid in the correct operation. This defines the limit at which the compressor works perfectly. When the pressure level exceeds the stated cut-out pressure level, the compressor automatically stops. When the pressure again drops below the defined cut-in pressure, it starts the operation again.

2. What should my pressure switch be set at?

The pressure level, your pressure switch should be set at is based on the pressure cut-on. This point determines the tank pressure. As a general rule, the pressure level of the tank should at least be less than the cut-on point pressure by 2 psi. However, this can change based on what are the particular settings of the tank.

If you have a tank that is set at 30/50, then you have a standard one and you should set it 2 psi less than the cut-on point. This defines the limit of cut-on points. If you have a 50 one, the tank pressure should be 48 psi. However, if you own one with a 30 psi cut-on point limit, the pressure of the tank should be 28 psi.

3. How do you reset a pressure switch that doesn’t have a lever?

If you want to reset a pressure switch that doesn’t include the lever, you have to use the breaker or either the fuse in order to reset. This will shut the unit and you can conveniently remove the cover of the press switch. Once, the cover is removed, you are required to turn the power back again. The next step involves holding the contractor. This can be accomplished through the wood. This will aid in energizing the pump which results in setting the pressure to the needed level. Once again, turn off the power. This is to get the cover replaced after which power the unit again. The pressure switch has been set.

Final Words

Setting the pressure switch of an air compressor is crucial for smooth running. This makes the air compressor suitable for the task you require it. The cut-in pressure is set with the beggar set screw while the cut-out with the smaller set screw. We have stated the simplest process for you so that you do not have to explore the whole process by yourself. Follow the guide and set the pressure switch easily for any activity you need the air compressor for.