Compressor Question

[MaineZJ]

Got a 60 gal upright air compressor.
The motor looks similar to this:

runs off 230V.

Question, what are the 2 units attached to the top of the motor, and if one failed would the motor sound like it was straining (cause it's only running off 110?)

[OverkillZJ]

could they be solenoids?

[Jim311]

Flux capacitors.

[MaineZJ]

Flux capacitors.

Thanks, if I wanted a shit answer I would'a asked on NAGCA

[rubicondave33]

They probably ARE starting capacitors for the motor. If one of them failed, the motor may still start and it probably would sound like it was working harder.

[MaineZJ]

thank you. I knew some compressors used CAPs to get em spinning, but I wasn't sure if they were caps, condensors, or some funky soleniod.

[OverkillZJ]

thank you. I knew some compressors used CAPs to get em spinning, but I wasn't sure if they were caps, condensors, or some funky soleniod.

I can see why they would use caps to help get it started, but I don't think that would explain why it's running funny? Unless they're wired in-line and not just as a reserve to kick start, in which case your motor could be getting a diffent voltage than is optimal...


Things that make you go "hmmmmmmmm"

[MaineZJ]

I was thinking that if one died, then the 230v motor would be running off 115v (and there fore always sounding like it's got a heavy load)

[rubicondave33]

It's been awhile since I've worked around any single-phase motors, but I believe the motor on your compressor is a capacitor start- capacitor run motor.
Here is a link to a site that describes the operation of different types of motors.
http://www.iprocessmart.com/leeson/l...se_article.htm

Most of the stuff I get into is installation of new equipment and it's all 3 phase
Hope the link helps.