To learn how to adjust air compressor pressure regulator, Follow this 6 easy steps guide that’ll help the beginner to advance level air compressor users!
If you are savvy with tools and spend your fair share of time in the workshop professionally or recreationally, you already know how important it is to have an air compressor. This tool has become a critical part of any workshop environment and considering the extreme versatility it brings to the table; it is not surprising.
Although there are quite a lot of different features that you can find in a wide variety of compressors, one element that is the same across the board is the pressure regulator.
In this article, we will give you a quick breakdown of how to adjust the pressure regulator on an air compressor to help you utilize your air compressor unit to the fullest.
Contents
What is a Pressure Regulator and Its Components?
Before we get into the brunt of the article, let us start off with something simple. For experienced users, this might be an elementary concept, but most beginners or amateur DIY enthusiasts might not have as much knowledge about the tool as a professional.
Simply put, a pressure regulator is something that regulates the air pressure inside a compressor. Although the concept is simple, it is still one of the most important sections of a compressor.
There are three basic components you will find across all pressure regulators. Firstly, there would be a component like a valve that would reduce the incoming pressure. You will also have an element that puts the required force on the pressure-reducing element, usually in the form of a spring or diaphragm actuator.
Finally, you would have a diaphragm or a piston that acts like a sensor. Apart from that, you will also have a monitor to read the pressure.
How Does an Air Compressor and Pressure Regulator Work
In air compressors, there are pressurized tanks that hold potential energy using a motor, gas engine, or similar methods. By storing a large volume of air in the tanks, the air compressor can generate massive pressure inside it.
Once the maximum pressure is reached, we can use the stored air and use it for different applications by converting it to kinetic energy. However, the pressure starts to decline as we continue using the air compressor, and once the minimum pressure is reached, the air compressor starts re-pressurizing the tank.
The job of the pressure regulator is to control or regulate the air pressure that builds up over time in the compressor. A regulator has a large screw that is primarily responsible for controlling the airflow. This screw, along with the help of springs located at the shaft, keeps the pressure regulated.
The springs also make sure that the valve remains open by applying sufficient force. Air pressure moves through the chamber of the compressor thanks to a small tube located at the valve opening.
As the pressure changes, the diaphragm starts moving, which, in turn, helps the regulator maintain a steady level of pressure. To make sure your compressor keeps working properly, you need to adjust the pressure levels while you use it. By making adjustments when needed, you will not have to push the air compressor hard at all times, which can drastically improve its lifetime.
What is the Difference Between a Pressure Switch and a Pressure Regulator?
In almost all air compressors, there will also be a pressure switch in addition to the regulator. The primary purpose of this element is to ensure the safety of your compressor.
Since most compressors these days give you the option to experiment to your heart’s content, a lot of beginners can ruin their machines by messing around too much without proper knowledge.
The pressure switch can detect the pressure level that is accumulating inside the tank and will shut down the compressor when it reaches a certain threshold. Some models allow you to set the maximum pressure manually to avoid overexerting your air compressor.
In addition to shutting down, a pressure switch also turns the compressor on when the pressure inside the tank drops to a certain lower threshold. Simply put, the pressure switch acts like a sensor that enables the air compressor to refill or stop pressurizing the tank automatically when needed.
As you can see, a pressure switch is quite different in how it works when you put it up against a pressure regulator. With pressure switches, you typically want to keep it in factory settings. However, with pressure regulators, you can adjust the settings to get better performance and calibration out of it.
How to Adjust an Air Compressor Pressure Regulator – 6 Easy Steps!
Adjusting the pressure regulator of an air compressor is not that hard. In fact, if you have a basic idea of the tool, you will be able to adjust the pressure according to your specifications in a few simple steps.
And once you get the idea, it should not take you more than 30 minutes to get your air tool performing at optimal air pressure.
1. Turn it on
The first step is to obviously turn on your air compressor by connecting it to your power socket. If you are using a portable model, you do not usually need a wall socket for power.
2. Fill the tank
After turning it on, you need to wait a while until the air compressor can fill the tank with compressed air. To understand whether the tank is full, pay attention to the level of noise coming out of the compressor. After filling up, the noise floor comes down considerably.
3. Cross-check the PSI of your air compressor and air tool
You need to ensure the air tool that you are planning to use is compatible with your air compressor. To check that, you need to find the PSI of your air compressor. If the compressor has a higher PSI than what is needed for your air tool, then you are good to go. However, if the rated PSI of the compressor is lower, you need a stronger air compressor.
4. Connect the compressor with your air tool
If the PSI of the air compressor is compatible with the air tool, you can now make the connection. You also need your compressor to the air hose. Typically, the connection port is located conveniently in all air compressors. But if you are having trouble finding it, you should consult the instruction manual.
Once the connection has been made, you can start adjusting the regulator.
5. Locate the knob
The location of the pressure knob can vary from one model to another. Typically, you should find it on one side of the regulator. Some models come with a push-pull locking knob that lets you set a value and keep the compressor locked at that certain level.
6. Find the optimal pressure.
The pressure knob can be rotated clockwise or counterclockwise. By rotating the knob clockwise, you can effectively raise the pressure in the compressor. The trick here is to find the proper amount of pressure without going with too much or too little.
You can also turn down the pressure in the compressor by turning the knob counterclockwise. If your compressor comes with a locking knob, remember to lock it down once you find the appropriate pressure.
Taking Care of Your Pressure Regulator
Now that you understand the basics of adjusting the pressure regulator on your air compressor, we would like to live you with a couple of basic maintenance tips and advice. Even though replacing a pressure regulator is quite cheap, there is no reason for not taking care of your regulator from time to time.
As a rule of thumb, it is a good idea to give some loving to your regulator every time you are maintaining your air compressor. A simple act of cleaning it up and wiping off the dust can extend the lifetime of the regulator drastically.
One of the most common issues that can happen with a pressure regulator is the cracking of the component. Remember, this component is constantly fighting against massive downstream pressure when you are using your air compressor. This high force can certainly cause the regulator to crack up, especially if you are using it regularly.
If your pressure regulator does break, it is advisable as to not try and fix it. You can at best get a couple more use out of the air compressor. Besides, a faulty regulator can even damage other components in some cases. So it is best to keep an eye out for any cracks on the pressure regulator. If you find any, you should get it replaced as early as you can.
Final Thoughts
An air compressor, these days, comes with a handful of excellent and unique features depending on the model that you are buying. But the pressure regulator is one of the features that you will find in each of them. To utilize your compressor to its fullest potential, you need to know how to adjust the air compressor pressure regulator. We hope our article could provide you with enough knowledge and information in that regard.
