Tangential Query.

[Jan]

Not a welding problem, but I'm sure that most forum members have a small (or not so small) compressor among their tools. I'm not sure how old mine is, but I think it was first used to inflate the tyres on Ben Hur's chariot.

The other day it just cut out in mid use. Now every time I plug it in it blows either the individual circuit breaker or the main RCD. I've checked it out as best as I can and found ...

Nothing.

Rather than spend money I don't have I would like any advice re. finding a local reliable AND HONEST compressor repairer in the Sheffield/Rotherham/Doncaster/Barnsley area.

Ta very glad old chums.

 

[WorkshopChris]

Do you have a multimeter to do any simple tests?

 

[RonA]

Not a welding problem, but I'm sure that most forum members have a small (or not so small) compressor among their tools. I'm not sure how old mine is, but I think it was first used to inflate the tyres on Ben Hur's chariot.

The other day it just cut out in mid use. Now every time I plug it in it blows either the individual circuit breaker or the main RCD. I've checked it out as best as I can and found ...

Nothing.

Rather than spend money I don't have I would like any advice re. finding a local reliable AND HONEST compressor repairer in the Sheffield/Rotherham/Doncaster/Barnsley area.

Ta very glad old chums.

hi Jan,
Does the compressor have an unloading device. If it has, is it working correctly. Starting up against receiver pressure would trip the breaker.
RonA

 

[Arc Tourist]

If its that old, the brushes which ride on the commutator may be worn away.

 

[skotl]

If it's tripping the RCD then it's not a problem with load / startup, but that current is leaking to earth (more simply; there's a short between live and earth, or neutral and earth).

As Chris suggests, if you have a multimeter then check for connectivity between the neutral pin on the plug (unplugged!) and the earth pin. Then check for the same between the live and earth pins.
Then check the physical connections as the mains enters the compressor, check the switch and motor, etc to see if there are any stray / corroded wires.

 

[colnerov]

Or great big fat fried spiders.

 

[MoreWellie]

if there are any suppression capacitors connected to the earth then one of those may have gone leaky which could explain the rcd trip and easy to disconnect just to try it

 

[gaz1]

jan i dont know if it has this but this item can be the cause of your trouble if you have got it on your system

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/AIR-COMPR...019877?hash=item2a0bb4b9e5:g:lvkAAOSwvt1WRK-i

different types of compressor

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/air-compr...983852?hash=item2ef3ee6a2c:g:phQAAOSwOdpXzEgh

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/ROMAC-VIN...328951?hash=item3ac9d5b477:g:JCAAAOSwGIRXZ~5d

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/air-compressor-/232066612461?hash=item36083f7ced:g:LusAAOSwMgdXxyjg

 

[skotl]

Or great big fat fried spiders.

Or fried mice, apparently! http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/forum/threads/fried-mouse.66565/

 

[Jim Davey]

Flied lice is velly tasty.

Taxi!...

 

[Jan]

Never thought to break out the multimeter. I'll give it try tomorrow, but the last time this happened, a couple of years ago, I replaced the starter cap with a new one. It shouldn't have failed so quickly.

 

[Jan]

All checked and the fault found.

It's had it, so I've bought a new one.

All is not lost, though. The new unit is now sat on top of the old reservoir to double up on the volume of air.