A: A circuit breaker is a vital safety mechanism for your home. It cuts the power when too much electrical current is flowing through the wiring, preventing fires and other electrical problems. We recommended the customer should double the amount of running amps. Single Stage Compressor: 20-30 amp. Two Stage Compressor: 40-50 amp.

A: Does the pump on the air compressor have cast iron sleeves?
All of our oil-lubricated pumps have either cast iron sleeves or are completely made of cast iron. The oil free pumps are made of cast aluminum.

A: We do not recommend the customer use an extension cord. If it necessary, the cord must be heavy duty. Gauge (GU) refers to the thickness of the extension cord. For up to 50 feet, you should use a 10 GU cord. For up to 100 feet, you should use an 8 GU cord.

A: When the unloader valve begins to leak, it needs to be replaced due to the valve being defective or worn out from use. Its purpose is to release pressure once the compressor stops running to make sure none is present when the motor or engine starts running again. If leaking after unit shuts off refer to Troubleshooting Question # 5.

A: No, the pressure switch is not adjustable. Any alteration of the pressure will void the air compressor.s warranty. The pressure switch starts and stops the compressor at set pressures, making sure the tank always has air available to the user.

A: We recommend taking the CFM rating of the air tool and doubling it. If it falls within the rating of the air compressor, then the unit should run the tool. If the tool is a continuous run type such as a grinder or sander the CFM rating of the compressor should be four times the rating of the tool.

A: Each case requires special attention. Please call our Customer Service Center at (800) 445-1805 for the appropriate procedure.

A: Powermate Product Service Representatives can be contacted Monday to Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM CST to answer your questions. You can call our toll-free hotline at (800) 628-8815. Always remember to have your Model and Serial numbers available at the time of your call.

A: There are several answers to this problem. First, the customer should make sure the petcock is closed at the bottom of the tank. A petcock is normally used to drain condensation from you tank, but it can also leak air if left open. If the petcock is closed, the ring on the piston sleeve assembly could be worn and you will need to replace it. The piston sleeve is the shaft the piston moves up and down to compress the air. Another potential cause is the seal. It can be found around the piston and is meant to prevent air leakage. The piston is located in the pump. The seal may be worn or broken and therefore should be replaced. A fourth option is an issue with the valve plate. The valve plate is what allows the air to move in and out of the pump. If it is worn out or there is a defective valve, the customer should replace the valve plate.

A: The cause is a bad valve in the valve plate assembly. The valve plate is what allows air into the pump. It takes in the air through the intake valve. The air is then compressed and pushed through the outlet valve to the tank. Due to the bad valve, the valve plate should be replaced.

A: The diaphragm is out of position. You should use a regulator repair kit to replace it. A diaphragm is used to guide air from one stage to the next.

A: The pressure switch is bad and needs to be replaced. The purpose of a pressure switch is to stop the motor on your compressor when the tank pressure has reached a preset limit. As the tool uses air, the pressure in the tank will drop. When it falls to a set pressure, the pressure switch will re-activate the motor causing the pump to start replenishing your air supply. This cycle will continue as long as you use the air compressor.

A: The check valve is either worn out, has debris in it or is defective. It needs to either be cleaned out or replaced. The check valve allows the air to flow in only one direction.