Understanding how an air compressor pressure switch works are vital to ensuring the safety of your air tools and equipment. The air compressor pressure switch serves as a control to regulate when the motor should turn on and off. This mechanical device can help you maintain consistent volumes of compressed air flowing in your system when properly set.
A typical pressure switch comprises two ports, one for the incoming supply tube and one for the outgoing hose pipe. An internal diaphragm chamber acts as a gatekeeper and deters sources from going further into or out of the system, ensuring power is appropriately regulated. When pre-set settings are enabled, both ports are opened to allow airflow into a pneumatic tool or other appliance requiring it; when pre-set settings are exceeded, both ports close to prevent overinflation or damage-inducing drops in pressure.
Parts of the Pressure Switch
The air compressor pressure switch is an integral part of the air compressor and helps regulate the pressure in the tank. The main components of the pressure switch are the contact points, the pressure switch housing, the pressure switch actuator, and the release valve.
Pressure Switch Body
The pressure switch body houses internal components and allows for connections to outside resources. Depending on the model, the pressure switch body is constructed from durable materials, such as polycarbonate, aluminum alloy, or stainless steel, which can withstand harsh environments.
The body of a pressure switch acts as a protective housing for the switch’s moving parts and provides an enclosure that ensures optimal functionality within the system. The sturdy construction reinforces all functions within the device, keeping them safe from temperature or other damage that could occur due to outside forces.
Pressure Switch Contacts
The main component of a pressure switch is the pressurized contacts. The contacts control the power to the motor, and they are responsible for the cycling on and off of the unit. Pressure switch contacts come in two types:
- Usually, Open (NO) switches, allow power to flow to the motor when pressure rises above a set point.
- Normally Closed (NC) switches, cut off power to the motor when the pressure reaches a set point.
Pressure switches can come with both NO and NC contacts or with one type of contact only.
Pressure Switch Diaphragm
A pressure switch diaphragm is a vital component of a pressure switch. It is responsible for detecting and measuring changes in system pressure levels and signaling the compressor motor to start, run or shut off as needed. The diaphragm is built from a synthetic, flexible material that can accurately detect and respond to pressure changes in order to regulate devices such as drum motors, air compressors, and tanks.
Typically made of nylon, Polycom, or polyester, the diaphragm usually contains two different sides which are joined in the middle. One side rides on the pressure medium itself, while the other side is connected to a stem that can sense external pressures.
Pressure switch diaphragms must be kept completely sealed from environmental factors such as dust and moisture in order to maintain accurate readings.
How the Pressure Switch Works
An air compressor pressure switch is a device that controls the amount of pressure in an air compressor. It automatically shuts off the compressor when a certain threshold pressure is reached. Let’s take a look at the components and functions of this device.
The pressure Switch Activates the Compressor
The pressure switch is an integral component of a typical air compressor motor. When the pressure in the tank drops below a predetermined level, the pressure switch signals the pump motor to start running and restore the required air pressure in the tank. When the pre-set upper limit is reached, the pressure switch automatically turns off the compressor motor.
Basically, a pressure switch serves two important functions: it’s responsible for starting and stopping the compressor and offering protection from overpressure by shutting down when threshold levels are exceeded. In addition to varying manufacturer models, individual switches offer different settings per adjustment knob and vary according to model number.
Pressure Switch Deactivates the Compressor
The pressure switch on an air compressor is an important part of any air compressor system. It works as a safety measure to ensure the compressor does not overheat or cause other damage, and also allows the compressor to run efficiently when pressure is below a certain level.
When air is compressed, it produces heat, and if this heat builds up in a system, it can cause damage and even be dangerous in extreme cases. The pressure switch deactivates the compressor once it reaches a certain level of heat or air intake pressure while allowing the motor to turn on again when levels have returned to safe limits.
The settings of a pressure switch are adjustable, usually between 6-12 PSI depending on certain factors such as the type of pump and size of tank used with your air compressor system. It is best practice to have these settings included in your manual when you purchase your new unit so that you can make sure they are set properly according to manufacturer recommendations for best performance and safety.
Benefits of the Pressure Switch
The pressure switch is a vital component of an air compressor. This provides a number of benefits for users, such as:
Automatically managing the pressure: The pressure switch will turn off the air compressor when it reaches the set maximum pressure and turns it back on once the pressure has been relieved. This ensures that users can depend on consistent air flow without having to manually adjust pressure levels.
Improving energy efficiency: When your air compressor operates at its optimal level, it is more energy efficient and uses less electricity overall.
Prolonging the life of your equipment: By only allowing the necessary amount of airflow, you reduce wear and tear on moving parts and decrease the strain put on electric motors.
Conclusion
The air compressor pressure switch plays an important role in the operation of an air compressor. It is designed to turn off the compressor motor when more compressed air is produced than needed and then turn it back on once pressure has dropped beneath a certain level. This prevents over-pressurization, which can damage both the compressor and the equipment connected to it.
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