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Compressor Pressure Switch

The compressor pressure switch provides some key functions on the air compressor.

One purpose of the compressor pressure switch is to shut the compressor off when the air compressed into the tank has reached the correct air pressure.

Another function is to turn the air compressor back on on when the air pressure level in the compressor tank has dropped to the point where more air is needed.

One more key function of the compressor pressure switch is that it is the first defense to over pressurization of the tank and air lines on the air compressor.

Pressure switch appearance

On many of the smaller DIY type air compressors, there will be only a few manufacturers of pressure switches. Two common makes are shown in the photo below.

Photo of two air compressor pressure switches

Compressor Pressure Switch for Smaller Compressors

There are a lot of air compressors sold today that we would classify as mini-air compressors. These are air compressors that can be operated by a 12 VDC power supply from a vehicle accessory port. Some of these mini-air compressors also work on 120 VAC. They all use small,  fractional HP, electric motors to power the small compressor pumps. They do not use the air pressure switch shown above, but rather, theirs may be a tube shaped switch as shown in the next image, one from a DeWalt mini-compressor.

DeWalt air compressor pressure switchCompressor Pressure Switch Operation

A pressure switch is an ON/OFF device that reacts to pressure. They are used in many industries and in many media. We’re concerned here only about the air compressor pressure switch.

Diaphragm from an air compressor pressure switchThe pressure switch will have a device inside that reacts to pressure applied against it. In the Condor and Lefoo switches shown above,  that internal device is often a diaphragm of some sort, one of which is shown in the photo.

When air pressure in the air compressor tank creates enough back pressure, that back-pressure deforms the switch actuator (diaphragm or other sort)  inside the pressure switch and causes it to move. On the high pressure side, that actuator deformation typically opens contact inside the switch. With the contacts now being open, power stops flowing to the compressor motor circuit, and the compressor stops.

When the air pressure inside the compressor tank and lines drops, the compressor pressure switch internal operator begins to deform or move in the opposite direction. This movement is typically caused by an internal spring. When that deformation or diaphragm movement is far enough the contacts inside the pressure switch are made (come together) and power flows across them. The power flows to the motor circuit on the air compressor, the motor starts, and air starts pumping into the tank.

As the back pressure inside the tank increases, once again, the compressor switch internal actuator begins to deform or move the other way, eventually the contacts break, and the power stops.

The cycle repeats as long as compressed air is being used, or until external power to the air compressor is stopped.

Adjusting the compressor pressure switch

There may come a time when you have to adjust the compressor pressure switch. Typically that will only be when you have replaced the original switch that came with the air compressor, and the new switch cut in and cut out settings are different, and have to be adjusted to the levels of the replaced pressure switch.

As far as we know, you cannot field adjust the pressure settings of the tubular pressure switch similar to those shown in the photo of the DeWalt pressure switch. If your compressor uses this type of pressure switch and the switch fails, you are going to have to replace the failed switch with another of the same size and type. That will typically mean quite a search, as many of the brands of compressors on the market are mass marketed through big box stores which have a dismal record of stocking parts for the air compressors they sell.

Please follow this link for more on adjusting the compressor pressure switch.

 

Comments, advice or questions are welcome using the form below.

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Simon Krystosek
February 11, 2021 10:29 pm

Could you tell me the modern equivalent of a Cutler Hammer 10016H-15B

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 12, 2021 10:33 am
Reply to  Simon Krystosek

What compressor is this from, what are the standards regarding cut in pressure, cut out pressure, voltage, and is there an uloader of any type on the compressor?

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Simon Krystosek
February 13, 2021 11:41 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

There are no markings on the compressor that I can find. These are the only real hints of what it is behind the switch cover

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 14, 2021 4:01 pm
Reply to  Simon Krystosek

Unfortunately, your response doesn’t help. I suggest that you contact Cutler Hammer whom are now known as Eaton at 1 (440) 523-4400. Please let us know if they were able to help you, and that may help others. Thanks.

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Simon Krystosek
February 15, 2021 9:49 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

I took a couple pics of the compressor. Not sure if a person can i.d. from the pics or not. Only marking I see is on top of the motor and that is just motor information.

20210215_093735.jpg
20210215_093724.jpg
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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 16, 2021 10:26 am
Reply to  Simon Krystosek

Simon, what I don’t see is an intake filter for the pump. I see a power cord, suggesting that it’s a 115/120 V power supply. I am going to guess that the two “bumps” on top of the pump are unloaders, though I don’t know why there are two.

I don’t see any marking on the tank to indicate what the pressure ratings are. If this were mine I’d be concerned about safety and pressure failure.

Regardless, the pressure switch simply toggles power to the motor, On/Off when it reacts to the pressure in the tank. I cannot see from either photo how the pressure switch is plumbed to the tank to be able to “read” tank pressure.

In any case, any simple pressure switch that doesn’t have an unloader port, rated for 115/120 V if that’s what the voltage is should suit. The issue is, what pressure should it be for? That I cannot tell you, and I hope you are extremely careful with the switch you select (browse for simple pressure swith for small air compressor) to be sure that the cut out pressure setting is not more pressure than the tank can stand. Make sure you have a PRV as well.

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Simon Krystosek
February 16, 2021 11:29 pm
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

Sorry but what is a unloader port and how do you tell if a switch has one or not? I was able to find a NOS switch same as what was on there so that was nice. That should at least get me to the pressure it was at using at some point in time. I was actually going to use propane tanks as reservoirs but need to know what pressure a 100lbs tank can take safely.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
February 17, 2021 1:26 pm
Reply to  Simon Krystosek

There is lots of info on this page about unloader valves on this site.

If there is no plate on the propane tank identifying it as a pressure vessel and indicating the maximum pressure, I wouldn’t use it. Good luck.

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Chuck G.
May 11, 2020 7:02 pm

I have a Campbell Hausfeld HL540200. Sometimes the LEFOO LF10-4H pressure control has to be tapped/hit to make the motor run. And sometimes the motor’s breaker trips. Any ideas?
I’m thinking the no-start is caused by the hole under the pressure control’s diaphragm plugging up,
The tripped breaker – a either a faulty capacitor or sticking check valve.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
May 11, 2020 7:22 pm
Reply to  Chuck G.

Or… could be an intermittent short in the pressure switch if it’s acting up. Sounds like a good start would be to replace the pressure switch and see what that does. Monitor, and then, add a comment to the thread as to what happened, if you wish. Good luck.

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Johnson Erik
April 18, 2020 3:54 pm

Hi, I have an emglo wheelbarrow electric compressor. I replaced the pressure switch with a new lefoo 95-125 psi pressure switch. the switch cuts off at 125psi but then starts turning the motor on and off in rapid succession and will not stop until unplugged. I’m afraid i wired or piped the air wrong to it or something. Odd as it runs like a champ up to pressure but then when it tries to stop, the pressure switch keeps turning on and off every two seconds

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Johnson Erik
April 18, 2020 5:30 pm
Reply to  Johnson Erik

well , that’s what I thought . But it’s the second brand new switch, and the likelihood of two bum switches is very low. Ive checked the wiring and its motor on one side and line on the other, the air piping is into the switch on the bottom from the air tanks, and from the pressure switch back to the tanks. I just cannot figure this out!

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 18, 2020 9:51 pm
Reply to  Johnson Erik

Agreed. Unless both switches are from the same manufacturing batch, and then, it still could be the switch. The only other thing I can think of is that, for some reason, when the tank air pressure gets to the cut out, the pressure to the diaphragm drops suddenly, tripping the switch back on. But it should mean a significant pressure drop, not just a few PSI, and you should certainly hear that if it were occurring. Same source for both switches?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 18, 2020 4:29 pm
Reply to  Johnson Erik

Check the wiring terminals inside the switch. The supply (line) should be on one side, the load (motor) should be on the either. If they are wired correctly, and I believe they are, then you’ve got a bum switch.

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Jared Rogers
March 13, 2019 10:12 pm

Can I use a different pressure switch for my 21 gallon harbor freight compressor in stead of the Lefoo one that it comes with should work right if I get one that fits?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 15, 2019 9:19 am
Reply to  Jared Rogers

Yes indeed. Once an air compressor is off warranty, basic parts like pressure switches, PRV’s, tank check valves, motor capacitors etc. can be sourced anywhere you can find them, in particular since so many store brand type compressors offer little or no after sale support.

As long as the pressure switch you select fits on the compressor, as long as all parts connected to the pressure switch now are still connected after the new switch is installed, and as long as the new switch has a similar pressure range and voltage range, sure, use any switch you want.

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Kevin
April 13, 2017 2:08 pm

What causes the pressure switch to fail and not relay power to the motor side? My compressor stopped running and I found out using a multimeter that the power was not running to the motor and had failed. I purchased a replacement pressure switch (at $80!) and installed it. The compressor started right up. I thought my problem was taken care of.

Now 6 months later the compressor is again not working. I went through the same procedure: drained and cleaned the tank, checked the capacitors, checked the oil, checked the air filter, checked the check valve, checked the lines to see if anything was clogged, and checked the pressure switch. Again the pressure switch has failed and another one needs to be purchased at another $80 cost!

What is causing these failures? I have the compressor plugged directly into the wall socket using a 20A line. Any suggestions?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 14, 2017 8:43 pm
Reply to  Kevin

Kevin, unless the compressor is really high cycle, the pressure switch should last for a long time, unless there is an issue with the power supply. It would be good to see inside the old switch to check the condition of the pressure switch points. Are they burnt, for example. While a 20 amp circuit may be ample for some HP compressor motors, it’s not enough for others. I don’t know the make or model of yours, so can’t be specific. All other things being OK, as per your thorough checks, I would surmise that your compressor is under powered.

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Kevin
April 16, 2017 10:47 am
Reply to  Fix My Compressor Moderator

Thank you for your reply. It is a craftsman 25 gal, 1.8hp model 919.195413 running on a 110V 20A line. I have it running continuously about 5 hours a day, 3-4 days a week. I wouldn’t think this work schedule would be too much for this machine. I’ve tried it out on other wall plugs around the house and nothing. No hum, motor noise, or any power going to the motor side of the switch.

Other than the pressure switch it has never given me any other problems. It runs quiet and supplies good air. All connections in the switch look normal without any signs of burning.

I would think the 20A is more than enough as well. Nothing seems out of the ordinary so it has me scratching my head…

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 18, 2017 10:15 am
Reply to  Kevin

I, too, would think that a 20 amp circuit for a 1.8 HP motor would be ample… unless there are other things on the same circuit pulling power while the compressor is starting or running. I guess that you’ve no option but to replace the pressure switch… again! Cheers.

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Ray Hill
April 2, 2017 12:59 pm

Where do I hook up My quarter inch line From pressure switch go to the tank?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 3, 2017 12:43 pm
Reply to  Ray Hill

Hello Ray. Since you don’t indicate the make or model of your compressor, I can only provide a generic answer. I believe the line you refer to normally connects the unloader valve on the pressure switch to the the fitting inserted in the tank with the tank check valve. Since the air line from the pump head also connects to that fitting, when the compressor stops, and the unloader valve trips to open, the line you refer to allows the air to bleed off from over the pump piston, allowing an easier restart for the compressor motor.

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Stephane
December 12, 2016 1:27 pm

The pressure switch contacts fuse together at startup due to sparks do you think I might have a bad breaker in the electric panel?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
December 12, 2016 4:26 pm
Reply to  Stephane

I am not an electrician so this is just my opinion, Stephane. I would think it more likely that you have a short in the compressor motor.

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Paul Beck
August 29, 2016 7:25 pm

One thing that would most helpful is a diagram showing the internal mechanism of a pressure switch. I have a home compressor that has a Chinese made pressure switch…really just an off/on type with a red button on top. However it needed some work recently and while doing this a small spring came out from the bottom. Trying to figure out where that goes and how to get it all back together has proved very difficult despite being able to see what it does.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
September 2, 2016 10:07 am
Reply to  Paul Beck

A bit difficult to do Paul, as not all pressure switches are made the same way. We do know that reassembling a compressor pressure switch that has “sprung” apart is a real witch of a thing, so we don’t do it. Don’t need the aggro. We replace one that has failed instead.

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Ken
April 18, 2016 7:52 pm

I just purchased a Lefoo LF10-4H pressure switch. I have everything wired correctly, but it won’t auto fill. There is this little black button in the middle of all the wiring connections, that if I press it , the compressor kicks on. What am I missing?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
April 22, 2016 9:06 am
Reply to  Ken

Ken, a couple of things come to mind. This switch has an ON/OFF lever. Make sure it’s on. Is there air in the tank now? If the pressure in the tank exceeds the cut in pressure of the switch, then the switch will not trip on to allow power to the motor. If it’s wired correctly, and if it is installed correctly, and if you let all the air out of the tank and the compressor still won’t start, use a multi-meter to check the motor side of the switch to see if the switch has actually tripped and power is flowing. If it is not, then it is possible you’ve got a bum switch.

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kieran martin
March 7, 2016 1:50 pm

Compresser runs but will not shut off at a 120 psi, I have manualy pushed the shut off down and it has locked and when I pull the air relase valve the compresser comes back on itself at a 115 psi, but it will not click the compresser off, theres no name on the compresser i dont know what age it is but i have some pictures of the cut off valve, i dont know if it is wired up wrong or if something is faulty, any help would be much appericated.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 7, 2016 4:04 pm
Reply to  kieran martin

Not seeing the compressor is a problem, Kieran. If you have a multimeter, pull the cover off the pressure switch, and probe the motor side of the pressure switch after the tank pressure bypasses the normal cut out pressure setting. If the pressure switch does not trip to OFF when the pressure reaches the normal cut out, we think it may be that the pressure switch itself has failed. Please check and advise as a comment.

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mitch jakubec
March 5, 2016 12:46 pm

I have an older 60g/, 5hp, Campbell Hausfield, compressor. I have needed to replace the pump, so now I have a “V”, cylinder Omega pump, to replace the older vertical cylinder pump.The New Omega, has a definite orifice for the main line. But unlike the original, that had a fitting that went to the manifold for the pressure switch, I can find no such fitting on the new pump. Can I tap into the line somewhere to the switch is enabled?

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
March 5, 2016 2:04 pm
Reply to  mitch jakubec

The images of Omega compressor pumps we were able to find did not clearly demonstrate the pressure switch plumbing. In general, as long as the pressure switch has access to the pressure level inside the compressor tank, the switch will allow power to flow to the compressor motor when the tank pressure is below cut in, and shut the power supply off when the tank pressure has reached cut out. If you are still in doubt, it’s worthwhile to contact the compressor manufacturer: http://omegacompressors.com/.

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mike Harrigan
November 12, 2014 12:24 am

I just picked up an old Campbell hausfeld compressor. I’m trying to replace the pressure switch, and I’ve noticed there’s no unloader valve on the switch. Similarly there’s no line or port coming off the two fill connection. Anyone familiar with this type of set up? This machine is from the mid 70s, but it runs great and is quiet, so I’d like to try and keep it working. The current switch is a Furnas 150 pound cut out.69GD1076.

Thanks in advance for any info.

MH

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Germain Fortin
October 25, 2015 7:20 am
Reply to  mike Harrigan

A lot of old air compressors got an check valve at the output of the head. This way they don’t need an onloader because the compressed air dont go back to he head (giving a hard time to the motor to restart at high pressure).
This kind of compressor head will sometimes have a little butterfly air drain valve near the air output for servicing.
Keep it that way and it will last forever.

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Author
Fix My Compressor Moderator
November 12, 2014 9:59 pm
Reply to  mike Harrigan

We couldn’t find an image of the pressure switch using the part number you provided, Mike. Are you sure there is no unloader valve? Sometimes the unloader valve is inside the pressure switch and the line to it enters via the bottom of the switch. Normally there is a line into the tank from the top of the pump. In your case you refer to two lines going, presumably, into the tank. Or, is one cylinder feeding the next and there’s one line into the tank? Typically the unloader line travels from the tank fitting where the line enters the tank, and over to the pressure switch. You don’t have one of these on your Campbell Hausfeld air compressor?

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