Air Compressor Just Started Tripping Breaker

[bad_idea]

I have an older Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon horizontal air compressors. Unit is 120v plugged into a 20 amp circuit. The only other thing running on the circuit is the radio. I have the outlet the compressor is plugged into controlled by a standard light switch (allows me to kill power to the compressor when I leave the shop).

Recently it has started tripping the breaker when it kicks on to refill the tank. I reset the breaker and it might fill up, it might fill to ~115 PSI and trip the breaker again. I've had the compressor plugged into this outlet controlled buy the switch for about a month. I am thinking it could be one of three things:

1. The switch (only new part to the equation) but I do not know why it would be the switch.
2. The breaker went bad. I JUST installed the breaker panel last year, as this is a new shop.
3. The compressor is has an issue. Not sure what it would be, but it is an older unit.

I have a couple ideas to trouble shoot, but I'm not much of an electrician. Could use some help guys. Thanks all.

 

[mike93lx]

Plug it into a different outlet. If it trips, it isn't the switch or breaker, assuming the 2nd breaker is good.

 

[Dagny]

Does it have a run capacitor?

 

[bad_idea]

I did some testing. Cannot recreate the issue. This may prove to be a PITA. I plugged it into another outlet on a different circuit, cycled it three times - did not trip. I plugged it into a different outlet on the same circuit, cycled it three times - did not trip. I plugged it back into the switch controlled outlet, cycled it three times - did not trip.

Now I'm truly stumped. Any ideas?

 

[bad_idea]

Does it have a run capacitor?

This is a link to an auction for a unit like mine. Not mine, but same model.
https://www.rockford-industrial.com/Metalworking-Machining-and-CNC-/Winnebago-/Downtown-/Campbell-hausfeld-2-hp-20-gal-air-compressor-125-psi.HTML

It has two capacitors on the electric motor. I assume one is the run capacitor?

 

[mike93lx]

When it tripped the breaker, had it been running a lot shortly before?

Do you have an IR temp gun? I would get it to run for a while and check Temps on the breakers.

 

[bad_idea]

When it tripped the breaker, had it been running a lot shortly before?

Do you have an IR temp gun? I would get it to run for a while and check Temps on the breakers.

It had been running quite a bit. I was using an pneumatic brake bleeder to change the fluid in my truck. I do not have an IR temp gun. Can you recommend a quality inexpensive model? Preferably something I can pick up on Amazon. I bought the HF one a few years ago and it didn't last too long. I'm not looking for that cheap, but I don't need a Cadillac either. Thanks for the help!

Also, what temps am I looking for on the breaker?

 

[Caddybill]

check your voltage at the outlet. for the last 2 weeks my power company has been lowering our voltage to 100 to 102 volts. I could not use my air compressor last week. every time it started it tripped the breaker.

 

[Aceman]

You need a means to measure amps and verify voltage. Without that, it's a lot guessing.

 

[sberry]

This is true but these little comps are notorious. When they work perfect they work, as soon as something is worn or gets a fuzz out of adjustment they trip. How far from the panel?

 

[nadogail]

IMHO, it would be helpful to know the voltage at the time of the breaker opening and the current draw of the compressor at the time it tripped the breaker.

Without that information, anything I can offer will be a guess.

 

[66cj225]

Use HD switch, you're not switching lights. Last air cleaner service? I change the kitchen toaster and coffee pot outlets every 10 yrs or so too....just me.

 

[wyliesdiesels]

I have an older Campbell Hausfeld 20 gallon horizontal air compressors. Unit is 120v plugged into a 20 amp circuit. The only other thing running on the circuit is the radio. I have the outlet the compressor is plugged into controlled by a standard light switch (allows me to kill power to the compressor when I leave the shop).

Recently it has started tripping the breaker when it kicks on to refill the tank. I reset the breaker and it might fill up, it might fill to ~115 PSI and trip the breaker again. I've had the compressor plugged into this outlet controlled buy the switch for about a month. I am thinking it could be one of three things:

1. The switch (only new part to the equation) but I do not know why it would be the switch.
2. The breaker went bad. I JUST installed the breaker panel last year, as this is a new shop.
3. The compressor is has an issue. Not sure what it would be, but it is an older unit.

I have a couple ideas to troubleshoot, but I'm not much of an electrician. Could use some help guys. Thanks all.

While the switch is probably not rated for the load, a switch will not cause the breaker to trip unless it has an internal short to ground. (very rare and obviously not the case.

check your voltage at the outlet. for the last 2 weeks my power company has been lowering our voltage to 100 to 102 volts. I could not use my air compressor last week. every time it started it tripped the breaker.

umm i hope you called them as 100v is too low for anything to run. Almost all PoCos guarantee service within 5% of nominal 120/240 which is 114/228.

100v means theres something wrong and should be fixed immediately.

You need a means to measure amps and verify voltage. Without that, it's a lot guessing.

Use HD switch, you're not switching lights. Last air cleaner service? I change the kitchen toaster and coffee pot outlets every 10 yrs or so too....just me.

an improperly rated switch will NOT cause the OPs issue but i agree he needs a heavier duty switch.