Converting fire sprinkler air compressor?

[Sea bass]

Hi guys
I have an opportunity for a free Emglo 30gal compressor that’s made for a fire sprinkler system. It has a 30/40 pressure switch on it. Can I simply install a 90/120 switch and call it a day?

Looks like a 1.5hp 115v motor (1750rpm).

Or is it a completely different pump and not made to handle these pressures?


Thanks guys!

 

[The Cobbler]

see what the tank is rated for psi first.
for free it's worth the gamble to see what it does volume wise. a pressure switch is cheap. ( don't buy bottom of the barrel Chinese as they tend to be POC from my experience

 

[Mick56]

Is the current pressure switch adjustable? If so, you can turn the screw to get higher pressure without buying anything.

 

[Sea bass]

Is the current pressure switch adjustable? If so, you can turn the screw to get higher pressure without buying anything.

Might be?
I’ll give it a shot.

I tried to post a link to it but my post count is too low.

It’s a Jenny K15S-30S

Looks like a normal compressor.

 

[American Locomotive]

If I had to guess, the motor probably will not have enough power to run that pressure. These compressors are usually sized with low speed motors and large bores to minimize run time and reduce noise. It's unpleasant to have a loud screaming compressor in an office building.

 

[Lelandwelds]

I have converted fire and building control compressors to shop air use. You only need 90 psi for shop air anyway. It is easy but not really worth the trouble honestly. Theyre often pretty worn, never properly maintained, and too damn small anyway.

But, other than that, they're fine.

 

[Sea bass]

I just got it - crank bearings are shot. I’m just going to rebuild it - I think it will be a fu little project. Has a K-pump which it looks like they use in a lot of their compressors.
I’ll just need a pressure switch and it should be good to go.

 

[The Cobbler]

nice
keep an update and pictures with your progress!

 

[cvairwerks]

Just have to watch how much you run it. The Jenny K15S-30S is only rated for filling a total of 885 gallons of tankage at 40 psig, per half hour.

 

[md21722]

I have owned a couple of Jenny K pump compressors. The K pumps are fine at higher pressures, you can run them up to 125-150 PSI. According to the spec sheet, motor RPM is the same between a fire and non-fire model. You need only change or adjust the pressure switch.

 

[strutaeng]

Call the folks at Jenny. I'm not sure what the difference is between a K15S and K15 are. Seems like "S" stands for sprinkler. These are really good pumps. "K" series are 1-2 Hp. It won't give you a huge volume, but for small tasks will last decades.

I almost bought one some years ago. I think it was a "J" series pump. I called their phone number and talked to a really nice, knowledgeable guy and told me what I needed to know.

 

[Sea bass]

Well - 3 months later and I’m finally done
Rebuild went ok other than breaking the flywheel trying to get it off. The new one clocked about half a hole so I can’t drive the rollpin back in. Had to beat the piss out of it to get it on so I’m hoping it will be fine.

Builds pressure to 125 no problem. I think it will be good enough for my needs. Just need to find a belt guard.

Rebuild kit plus bearings and seals along with new pressure switch and flywheel.

 

[The Cobbler]

nice looking compressor. it looks like thebelt is too wide for the compressor pulley. it wwill wear hard I think

 

[strutaeng]

Sweet! I love these Jenny compressors!

 

[Sea bass]

nice looking compressor. it looks like thebelt is too wide for the compressor pulley. it wwill wear hard I think

I was wondering about that - it’s the one that came on it when I got it but I’m sure it was replaced.
I’ll see if I can find the correct one.

Thanks Cobbler!

 

[TrentSmith22]

Same question for Jenny g3s-30 fire sprinkler compressor. Can it be converted for use as a regular shop compressor?

 

[MacMcMacmac]

It will be fine as a shop compressor. Single stage-120psi max. These are excellent little pumps. Make sure your amp draw at cutout is within spec for the motor and you are gtg.

 

[Robob1956]

Well - 3 months later and I’m finally done
Rebuild went ok other than breaking the flywheel trying to get it off. The new one clocked about half a hole so I can’t drive the rollpin back in. Had to beat the piss out of it to get it on so I’m hoping it will be fine.

Builds pressure to 125 no problem. I think it will be good enough for my needs. Just need to find a belt guard.

Rebuild kit plus bearings and seals along with new pressure switch and flywheel.

Well - 3 months later and I’m finally done
Rebuild went ok other than breaking the flywheel trying to get it off. The new one clocked about half a hole so I can’t drive the rollpin back in. Had to beat the piss out of it to get it on so I’m hoping it will be fine.

Builds pressure to 125 no problem. I think it will be good enough for my needs. Just need to find a belt guard.

Rebuild kit plus bearings and seals along with new pressure switch and flywheel.

Hey Sea Bass, I know it has been a while, but I'm about to buy one of these and I wonder if yours has a spec label on the tank OR do you know what the max psi is on the tank itself? I've been rebuilding another very old compressor and the tank is rusted out. I can get this one for $150 and hope it will do the job...

 

[cvairwerks]

IF you look at the welded plate just below the Emglo lable, that will give you the tank information.

 

[Robob1956]

IF you look at the welded plate just below the Emglo lable, that will give you the tank information.

Thanks, but I can't see that in the photo, not high resolution. I'll have to wait until i'm in front of it unless somebody knows these things better than I...

 

[The Cobbler]

very doubtful they would use a lower rated tank. it would probably be just as cheap or cheaper to use a regular rated tank as they would be higher production runs & therefor cheaper . but, that's a guess on my part . it looks like a nice clean unit .

 

[Robob1956]

very doubtful they would use a lower rated tank. it would probably be just as cheap or cheaper to use a regular rated tank as they would be higher production runs & therefor cheaper . but, that's a guess on my part . it looks like a nice clean unit .

Nice and clean, yes, but the head is toast. Still, I'm spending ~$300. or so in parts to rebuild it: one Cylinder, one connecting rod, the valve plate and a rebuild kit. mostly from fleaBay. I think it will be more compressor than I'll ever need, but at least this one is from this century - unlike my previous one!

 

[Robob1956]

It will be fine as a shop compressor. Single stage-120psi max. These are excellent little pumps. Make sure your amp draw at cutout is within spec for the motor and you are gtg.

Hey Mac and all: mine keeps blowing the 40 amp breaker within just a couple of minutes running, never gets more than a few psi... I've already replaced most everything but the bearings in the shaft, and they feel smooth when turned by hand. Any suggestions?

 

[The Cobbler]

maybe bad run capacitor . how does it perform with the discharge pipe removed from the tank or head ( open to atmosphere )
does it sound like it's straining while running? does the pump spin freely by hand?
got the right voltage running to the motor? electrical connections are all tight?
motor without the belt on it run OK?