What are the possible faults that can occur to an air compressor?

Answer 1

Maybe if it's not working the breaker has flipped. This can be due to a whole new range of electrical issues. Also, it may be not working because it shut off due to being full of condensation water. Some will shut off when they sense they are full, some will fill until the compressor mechanically cant produce compressed air (as water (theoretically)cannot be compressed ), and some will fill until the flood the motor.

Maybe the sidewall of the compressor has rusted through creating a hole, or maybe its missing a fitting. In either case the compressor can't create a store of compressed air causing it to run constantly. Since these compressor are mostly designed for intermittent use only, it will eventually wear or burn itself out.

If the compressor itself has failed it will be due to issues in one of two categories; mechanical and electrical. If this is a refrigeration compressor, then the issue is most likely mechanical. If this is a smaller, more common sized reciprocating compressor such as one's often used to inflate car tires, then most likely the issue is electrical. It could still be a mechanical issue due to internals wearing out.

Possible electrical problems with this type of compressor:

-Loose electrical connections:

-if connections are loose the voltage drops. when the voltage drops the motor draws more current through the wire the maintain motor speed causing overheating. the most cost effective fix is total replacement.

-Breaker overloaded:

- if the breaker which the compressor draws power from is overloaded, when everything is running, the compresser cant get enough power. just like above, the motor will work too hard and overheat.

Other electrical issues provided through Google search:

• Stator burn: Improper or unbalanced voltage and poor motor cooling.
• Single Phase Burn: Loss of one phase on a three phase system.
• Half Part Wind Burn: Loss of supply to one winding set on a two winding motor(Part wound).
• Loose Connections: Loose electrical joins causing a voltage drop.
• Starting Components: Damaged starting capacitors and relays.
• Inpure Power Supply: Spikes or surges of current flow.
• Shorted Power Terminals: Over torquing power terminals.

Mechanical issues with reciprocating compressor for refrigeration :

• Flood Back: Liquid refrigerant returning to the compressor during the running cycle.
• Flooded Start: Crank case oil diluted with liquid refrigerant due to off cycle vapour migration.
• Liquid Slugging: Liquid refrigerant or excess amounts of oil entering the cylinders during the running cycle.
• Excessive Discharge Temperatures: Higher than design superheated discharge gas temperatures.
• Compressor Oil Loss: Quantity of oil returning from the system is less than that leaving the compressor.

Perform a Google search for other possible information or contact a professional such as a small motor technician, plumber, HVACR guy, electrician, or handyman.