Pentair Air Compressor: Owner's Manual

Safety Messages

Safety is important to us. We have included safety messages throughout this manual and for your protection. Please read and follow all directions. A safety message has a safety alert symbol followed by an explanation of what the hazard is, what can happen and what you should do to avoid injury. This is the safety alert symbol:

The safety alert symbol and "WARNING" or "CAUTION" will precede all safety messages:

 

  Warning

You will be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.

 

Caution

You can be killed or seriously injured if you don't follow instructions.

• Do not pump flammable or explosive gases or use in an atmosphere that contains such gases.
• Protect all surrounding items from exhaust air. This exhaust air can become very hot.
• Corrosive gases and particulate material will damage the unit. Water vapor, oil-based contaminants or other liquids must be filtered out.
• Do not flush with kerosene or other combustible solvents.

 

 Electrical Shock Hazard

Disconnect electrical power at the circuit breaker or fuse box before installing this product. Install where it will not come into contact with water or other liquids and where it will be weather protected. Electrically ground this product. Failure to follow these instructions can result in death, fire or electrical shock.

 

Guidelines for Product Use

• Pump only clean, dry air.
• Operate at 32-104°F (0-40°C).
• Protect unit from dirt, foreign material and moisture.
• Never lubricate oilless air compressors.
• Use of petroleum or hydrocarbon products will reduce carbon vane life.

 

Operation Guidelines

 

General Maintenance

 Warning

When servicing, all power to the motor must be discharged and the plug disconnected. All rotating components must be at a standstill.

Make sure that pressure and vacuum are released from the product before starting maintenance. Check intake and exhaust filters after the first 500 hours of operation. Clean filters, and determine how frequently filters should be checked during future operation. This procedure in particular will help the product's performance and service life.

1. Remove the end plate and filters. Inspect filters for rips, tears, cuts, brittleness and excessive foreign material.
2. Clean filters if in good condition with compressed air. Reinspect for wear conditions. Set filters aside.
3. Check the filter/muffler for compacted debris. If debris is present, replace the filter/muffler.
4. Check the condition of O-ring. It should be soft and flexible. Replace if it is not.
5. Remove and inspect the muffler box (not all models have a muffler box). Clean the box and set it aside.
6. Check the gasket for cracks or tears. Install new gasket if any cracks or tears exist.
7. Replace the muffler box.
8. Reinstall filters or install new filters if required. Reinstall the end plate.

 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

Is my compressor running too hot?

It is normal for a motor to run hot to the touch because the shell transfers heat away from the motor windings.

However, improved materials used in motor manufacturing make the "too-hot-to-touch" test obsolete. The best way to determine if a motor is operating properly is to check the ampere (amp) draw. Each motor has a nameplate listing full-load amps (FLA). If the tested amp draw does not exceed the nameplate rating, its internal or external cooling fan is working (if so equipped), and the ambient air temperature around the motor is below 104°F (40°C). The motor is probably not running hot, even though it is too hot to touch.

Even so, make sure that there is plenty of air flow around the motor, and keep the area around the motor clear so that there is no blockage of air flow to the motor. Also keep paint and other flammable materials away from the motor.

 

How much will it cost to operate my compressor?

The cost of operation will depend on the length of time the compressor is run each day. The following example is for a typical 1-hp, single-phase compressor operated 24 hours a day at $.08 per kWh. The cost per kWh will vary from location to location. Check your electric bill for the cost per kWh.

9.7 amps x 115 volts = 1,115.5 watts (amps & volts are on motor nameplate)

1,115.5 watts x 1,000 = 1.116 kW

1.116 kW x 24 hrs = 26.77 kWh

26.77 kWh x $.08 per kWh = $2.14 per day

 

Why is my compressor so noisy?

Compressor noise can be the result of vibration or mechanical noise.

1. Vibration is the intensification of normal compressor noise. The noise should decrease if the compressor is firmly attached to the foundation or if the compressor is completely isolated by using a rubberized or cushioned base.
2. Mechanical noise is typically a high-pitched squealing sound. The most common causes include worn motor bearings and rubbing of the impeller against the compressor housing.

 

What causes my compressor to turn off by itself?

Check to make sure the proper voltage is supplied to the compressor. Most compressors are dual voltage, meaning that they are capable of using either 115V or 230V. The motor may have been wired for 230V. If you are using 115V, you will need to change the wiring (see wire diagram on the motor nameplate). Contact a licensed electrician if you need help with wiring modifications.

A high-temperature switch will turn the motor off if it overheats. The switch will automatically reset itself and turn on after the motor cools. If this overheating and restarting cycle continues for a period of time, the temperature switch will ultimately fail. This cycle will also shorten the life of the motor.

High amp draw results in overheating. High amperage is caused by the following:

1. Low voltage. Usually caused by power supply wire being undersized and/or wire being too long. Extension cords are not recommended to power larger compressors. If you believe that this may be the problem, contact a licensed electrician to check your installation.
2. Motor is locked up. Something may be lodged in the impeller, causing parts to bind.
3. Worn motor bearings. The compressor may be set up with an automatic timer that will control the run time so that you don't have to manually turn the compressor on and off.

 

Low Pressure	High Pressure	Compressor Overheat	Motor Overload	Problem Cause and Solution
X		X	X	Filter dirty. Clean or replace.
X	At Compressor	X	X	Plugged or collapsed pressure line. Inspect and repair.
X				Vanes sticking. Clean or replace.
X				Vanes worn. Replace.
X				Shaft seal worn. Replace.
X		X	X	Debris in compressor. Inspect and clean.
X		X	X	Motor not wired correctly. Check wiring diagram and line voltage.

 

Exploded View of Compressor

 

Limited Warranty

Pentair Aquatic Eco-Systems, Inc. (PAES) warrants that its products shall, at the time of delivery and for a period of twelve (12) months thereafter, except for filters, be free from l defects in materials and workmanship; and, if any such product shall prove to be defective in material or workmanship under normal intended usage and maintenance during the warranty period, upon examination by PAES or its authorized representative, then PAES shall repair or replace, at its sole option, such defective products at its own expense; provided, however, that the Purchaser shall be required to ship each such defective product, freight prepaid, to PAES’ designated facility. The warranty on products and/or components not manufactured by PAES, is limited to the warranty, if any, provided by the original manufacturer of said product or component. PAES sole warranty in regard to any components or products that are not manufactured by it shall be limited to the repair or replacement of the product, as set forth herein, with the condition that the Purchaser first return such defective item, freight prepaid, to PAES’ designated facility. After PAES has made an inspection of the product, and has confirmed that there is a defect in the manufacture of the product, a credit will be issued to Purchaser’s account. PAES HAS MADE NO AFFIRMATION OF FACT AND HAS MADE NO PROMISE RELATING TO THE GOODS BEING SOLD THAT HAS CREATED OR AMOUNTED TO AN EXPRESS WARRANTY OR THAT THE GOODS CONFORM TO ANY AFFIRMATION OR PROMISE. PAES DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTIBILITY AND FITNESS. PAES SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY PRODUCT DEFECT. THERE ARE NO WARRANTIES WHICH EXTEND BEYOND THE DESCRIPTION ON THE FACE HEREOF.

This Warranty does not extend to any Equipment that have been subjected to:

1. Damage caused by careless handling, improper repackaging, or shipping.
2. Damage due to misapplication, misuse, abuse or failure to properly operate equipment.
3. Damage caused by improper installation or storage.
4. Damage due to unauthorized product modifications or repairs.
5. Damage caused by negligence, or failure to properly maintain products.
6. Accidental damage, fire, acts of God, or other circumstances outside the control of PAES.