4.
OPERATION
IMPORTANT
a.
The motor on this compressor is 3HP/230V and at normal mains voltage will start within the capacity of a 13 amp fused circuit.
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Certain local conditions relating to electrical supply in the UK can result in the voltage varying between a low of 216 volts and a
high of 253 volts. At such times of fluctuating voltage the 13 amp fuse in the compressor plug may blow. This is normal and
is not a fault with the compressor. However if it happens regularly we recommend that you consult an electrician with a view
to installing a 30 amp supply, with contact breaker, to avoid the inconvenience of frequent fuse replacement.
WARNING! An extension lead MUST NOT be used to connect compressor to the mains as the resulting voltage drop would
reduce motor output and pump performance, causing the 13 amp fuse to blow.
b.
Take care when selecting tools for use with the compressor. Air tool manufacturers normally express the volume of air
required to operate a tool in cubic feet per minute (cfm). This refers to free air delivered by the compressor (air out) which
varies according to the pressure. Do not confuse this with the compressor displacement which is the air taken in by the
compressor (air in). Air out is always less than air in - due to losses within the compressor - and so it is important that,
before choosing equipment, you study the Free Air Delivery figures shown in the Specification chart, Section 2.
WARNING! Ensure that you read, understand and apply Section 1 safety instructions.
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4.1.
Make sure the main switch (fig.4.1) is in position "O (Off).
4.2.
Plug the lead into mains supply and start the compressor by turning the main switch to I (On).
4.3.
When starting the compressor for the first time, leave it running with air outlet (fig.1.C) closed.
Make sure that the pressure in the tank rises and that the compressor stops automatically when the
max. pressure value allowed - written on the plate and shown on the gauge (fig.4.2) - is achieved.
The compressor will now operate automatically. The pressure switch stops the motor when the
maximum tank pressure is reached and restarts it when pressure falls below the minimum
threshold - approx. 2 bar (29psi) less than the maximum pressure.
4.4.
Stop the compressor by turning the main switch (fig.4.1) off. The compressed air inside the compressor
head will flow out, making the restart easier and preventing the motor from being damaged.
DO NOT, other than in an emergency, stop the compressor by switching off the mains socket, or by
pulling the plug out, as the pressure relief will not then occur and motor damage may result upon restart.
When the compressor runs correctly and is stopped correctly there will be:
(a) a whistle of compressed air when the motor stops,
(b) a protracted whistle (about 20-25 seconds) when the compressor starts with no pressure in the tank.
4.5.
The compressor is equipped with an overload cut-out to protect the motor. The manual reset (fig.5.D) should
not be operated until 3 minutes after cut-out, to allow the motor to cool. To restart, turn main switch off,
reset D and then turn main switch on. If, after restarting, the compressor again automatically cuts out turn
off at the main switch and contact Service Agent.
Note:
a) If the motor does not cut in and out, but runs continuously when using an air appliance, the capacity
of the compressor may be too small for the equipment or tool.
b) The gauge (fig.4.2) indicates the pressure inside the main tank, NOT the pressure supplied to the air equipment. Should the
pressure in the tank exceed the pre-set switch (fig.4.6) maximum, a safety valve (fig.4.5) will activate.
WARNING! For this reason DO NOT tamper with or adjust the switch or safety valve .
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5.
MAINTENANCE
In order to keep the compressor in good working condition, periodic maintenance is essential.
IMPORTANT! Failure to carry out maintenance tasks may invalidate the warranty on your compressor.
WARNING! Before performing any maintenance operation, switch off compressor, disconnect from power supply and vent air from tank.
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5.1.
After the first 50 working hours. Operations to be carried out:
a) Check that all bolts/nuts are tight, particularly those retaining the crank case and cylinder head.
b) Replace the lubricating oil - see para 5.6.
5.2.
Daily. Operation to be carried out :
a) Drain condensation by opening the valve C located under the tank.
5.3.
Monthly (or more frequently, if the compressor operates in a very dusty atmosphere):
a) Check oil level and, if necessary, top up. b) Remove the air filter element and clean by blowing
through, with an air line at low pressure, from the clean side. Do not operate compressor without a filter
as foreign bodies or dust could damage the pump.
5.4.
3-Monthly. Operation to be carried out a) Check tank for internal corrosion.
5.5.
Every 500 hours. Operations to be carried out :
a) Change air filter element.
b) Check the automatic cut-out at max. pressure and the automatic cut-in at 2 bar below.
5.6.
Every 1000 hours. Operations to be carried out :
a) Replace the lubricating oil. For oil specifications see 5.8.
Remove the oil breather A and screw B, draining the oil into a container. Drain when the compressor
is hot so that oil drains rapidly and completely. Wash breather in kerosene, fuel oil or similar.
Replace screw B and refill through the filler aperture. Do not over-fill. Replace breather.
WARNING! Never mix different oils and do not use non-detergent/low quality oils as compressor
may be damaged.
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WARNING! Dispose of waste oil only in accordance with local authority requirements.
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c) Check belt tension.
d) Check for oil leaks.
fig. 4
fig. 5
C
A
B
SA1015/3 & SA1020/3 - 1069 - (2) - 050601