The failure of your industrial air compressor can wreak havoc on your entire application, costing you downtime and money. Being able to quickly identify the issue with your air compressor is important to properly address any issues with your system promptly. Issues with compressor motors can be significant and often require immediate attention. So, how do you check for these problems, and how do you know if your motor is the problem?
Troubleshooting Your Industrial Air Compressor
Before you decide that your air compressor’s motor is the problem, it is important to troubleshoot your unit. Troubleshooting is an easy way to help identify problems with your air compressor and can give you a good idea of what needs to be done to the equipment to properly repair it. If your air compressor isn’t working as it should, make sure you check these things:
- Check your power supply. Ensure everything is plugged in correctly and ready to operate.
- Check for air leaks. Air leaks are a commonly overlooked issue with industrial air compressors. Leaks can result from several issues, like worn gaskets, loose joints, corrosion, faulty valves, or cracks.
- Check your pressure levels. Check for fluctuations in the pressure levels of your unit. Low pressure causes include closed or blocked valves, broken couplings, or issues with control settings.
- Oil Contamination. A supply of clean oil with the right viscosity is vital for the proper performance of your air compressor. If your oil contains contaminants like dirt and various chemicals or is just plain dirty, your system’s operation may suffer.
- Corrosion and rust. If you notice rust or corrosion on your air compressor unit, determining the cause is important in order to appropriately address the issue. Finding the source of the moisture that is causing rust or corrosion to build up on your machine is the best way to eliminate the issue altogether.
Signs Your Air Compressor Motor is Failing
- Excess Moisture: While all air compressors will make some moisture, excess moisture can be a bad sign. Not only can a higher level of moisture negatively affect how your compressor functions, but it can also lessen the quality of the air supply produced by the machine. Additionally, there is a potential that moisture buildup can result in system malfunctions. An overload of moisture can also promote the buildup of rust on the compressor, which can be an issue in and of itself.
- Strange Noises: It’s normal for an air compressor to make some noise while in operation. This noise should be consistent in volume. If you find that the noise emitted by your compressor has increased in volume, or you hear rattling, clattering, ticking, or clicking sounds, it may be a sign of a technical problem within your machine. Because there are so many delicate internal components that can be damaged during the use of a unit with technical issues, it’s important to contact a technician and have them take a look at your system before resuming operation.
- Shaking Unit: If your unit is shaking when started or while running, there is likely an issue with something internally. Issues like shaking during operation, if left unchecked, can potentially end the life of your compressor, necessitating the purchase of an entirely new unit. If you find that your unit is shaking or vibrating, contact a technician to come out and have a look at your machine.
- Circuit Breaker Issues: A damaged air compressor motor may have to work overtime to meet the needs of your application, resulting in repeated circuit trips or blown fuses due to a system overload. The best option in this scenario is to turn off your unit and call an electrician, who can check the circuit and correct any damage.
- Warm air: Warm air coming from your compressor can be a sign of several different problems, from the overheating of your unit to the inability of the compressor to pump refrigerant through the system.
- Stops Working: Perhaps the clearest sign of an issue with your air compressor is if the unit cannot start. When this happens, the fix may be as simple as resetting the compressor, replacing the oil supply, or installing a new pressure switch. If none of this works, the issue may be your motor, which could need repairs or replacement.
Contact ESA Today
If your air compressor is experiencing issues and you aren’t sure what the problem is, or if you think you need a replacement motor for your machine, contacting an engineering professional is always a good idea. Our professional technicians are available 24/7 to address any questions or concerns you have about your air compressor. We have decades of knowledge and experience, so if you’re unsure how to find the source of issues with your compressor or wondering how to fix any problems you’re experiencing, call us for a consultation.