Once you’ve chosen a high-quality air compressor for your application, it’s important that the machinery is set up correctly. What’s the best location for it? What additional tools are required to maintain compressor performance? This air compressor installation guide should be taken into consideration before your machine is delivered to ensure that it runs efficiently and to help extend its service life.
6 Considerations When Installing an Air Compressor:
- Ventilation
The location of indoor compressors must have good ventilation. To avoid hazards like paint
spray filter outlets and gas or propane fumes, air must be vented outside the building. The
ventilation system needs to be able to turn over the CFM of the entire unit. This includes the air
compressor and dryer. The engineering data sheets for the compressor and dryer contain this
information. - Location
When possible, we advise placing compressed air systems indoors, in a separate, dry room,
close to your intended use. Separating the compressor from other equipment helps to regulate
air quality, prevent overheating problems, limit the risk of injury, and lessen productivity losses
brought on by noise. Additionally, indoor systems are not impacted by the same weather and
moisture problems as outdoor systems are. - Electrical Access
Your compressor needs access to electricity, whether it is inside or outside. Make sure your
compressor voltage is compliant with the socket before plugging it in for the first time to
prevent blown fuses or fires. - Clearance Around Compressor
A minimum of three feet should be allowed on each side of all air compressor equipment. This is
crucial for everyday free air cooling and heat exchange as well as future maintenance. Ask your
service technician how much access room will be required above and around your specific
model because every air compressor will be different. Later in the service cycle, they will need
to plan for routine maintenance and the removal of the motor or airend. - System Configuration
Although each application has different requirements, we typically advise installing a wet
receiver between the compressor and air dryer and a dry receiver after the air dryer. A moisture
separator should also be installed on the compressor. The air dryer will require a pre-filter and
an after-filter. The size of the receivers should be determined by the CFM of the compressors.
Here is a typical setup diagram for an air compressor: - Maintenance Plan
Having a preventative maintenance plan in place when the machine is installed is the most
efficient method to prevent downtime in the future. View our basic maintenance checklist to
find out more about the maintenance that must be done and how frequently.
Harris can assist you in making sure your compressed air equipment is installed correctly. Check out how
our service team can support you and contact us for help on your next project: